Dentists should be able to prescribe drugs to help people quit smoking and avert mouth cancer, the British Dental Association (BDA) has said.

Its call coincides with a public awareness campaign to tackle the number of deaths from mouth cancer in Scotland.

Pharmacists have joined forces with GPs and other medical professionals to increase awareness of the symptoms of the killer disease during Mouth Cancer Awareness Week.

Mouth cancer is a malignant growth which can occur in any part of the mouth, tongue or lips.

We are in a good position to spot people at risk of oral cancer

Dr Kieron Fallon BDA spokesman

The BDA wants dentists to be able to prescribe Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Zyban.

BDA spokesman Dr Kieron Fallon told BBC Radio Scotland that dentists already warned patients about the dangers of oral cancer.

He said: "The screening aspect of our job is very important and getting more people in the door.

"But let's not forget that we see a higher number of people than any other health professionals. So, we are in a good position to spot people at risk of oral cancer."

Graham Ball, consultant in dental public health for NHS Lothian, said people must become more aware of the risks.

'Chance of survival'

He said: "Fortunately, most mouth ulcers are not harmful.

"This campaign is designed to make sure that those who may develop mouth cancer are seen as quickly as possible.

"This is very important because people who are diagnosed at an early stage have a better chance of survival."

The disease has a higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer or cervical cancer.

The main causes of the disease are smoking, excessive drinking and poor diet.

As part of the new campaign, information material will be given to pharmacies, health centres and GP practices.