Are You at Risk?
By Dr Farid Fahid, Specialist in Prosthodontics
Boston House Dental Clinic
As a specialist dentist in Liverpool Street, nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing important health topics—especially those with oral implications—being discussed in public forums. On 9th July 2027, the Daily Mail published an article highlighting persistent heartburn and acid reflux as risk factors for oesophageal cancer. It was great to see this issue being given attention.
However, one key aspect was left out: the vital role that dentists, particularly those providing specialist dental care in Bank and the City of London, play in the early detection of symptoms linked to chronic reflux and oesophageal disease.
Why Should Your Dentist Be Involved?
Oesophageal cancer affects the food pipe—the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. Its early symptoms often resemble long-term acid reflux or persistent heartburn. Unfortunately, this form of cancer is often detected too late.
- In the UK, almost 10,000 people are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer each year.
- Around 8,000 people die from the disease annually.
- Most deaths occur within the first 12 months of diagnosis.
- The UK has one of the highest rates in Europe, and the trend is rising.
Early detection greatly improves outcomes. That’s why regular dental check-ups—particularly with the same clinician—can make a significant difference.
As a specialist dentist based in the City of London, I regularly monitor patients for oral signs that might point to systemic problems such as chronic reflux.
A New Preventive Pilot: The NHS Sponge Test
To improve early detection, NHS England launched a two-year pilot in 2026 across London and the East Midlands. The initiative offers a test—often called “sponge on a string”—to detect signs of Barrett’s oesophagus, a known precursor to oesophageal cancer.
Here’s how it works:
- Patients swallow a capsule with a sponge attached to a string.
- In the stomach, the capsule dissolves, and the sponge expands.
- When pulled back up, the sponge collects cells from the oesophagus.
- These cells are sent to a lab to check for abnormal changes.
This method has been used in hospitals for years, but it’s the first time pharmacists are delivering the test in high-street settings.
Who Is Being Targeted?
Participating pharmacists are identifying patients who frequently purchase over-the-counter heartburn remedies but haven’t spoken to a GP. These individuals are invited to take part in the test, with the goal of diagnosing Barrett’s oesophagus early.
Barrett’s is a condition where acid from the stomach repeatedly damages the lining of the oesophagus, causing the cells to change and become abnormal. People with this condition have 11 times the risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
What Role Do Dentists Play?
This is where your dentist near Liverpool Street or Bank could make all the difference. Chronic acid reflux doesn’t just affect your oesophagus—it often impacts your mouth first.
One of the early oral signs of chronic reflux is tooth erosion, which we see regularly at Boston House Dental Clinic.
As a specialist dentist near Bank, I pay close attention to:
- Loss of enamel on the inside surfaces of teeth
- Thinning or translucent tooth edges
- Accelerated wear in younger patients without decay
If these signs are present, particularly in the absence of a dietary cause, we raise the possibility of acid reflux and discuss it directly with the patient. Where appropriate, we recommend a visit to the GP or a gastroenterologist for further investigation.
A Missed Opportunity?
While I commend the NHS for piloting this valuable test, I do feel that excluding the dental profession from the scheme was a missed opportunity.
As dentists in the City of London, we often see patients more regularly than their GPs or pharmacists. And because we consistently examine the soft tissues of the mouth and teeth, we’re ideally placed to identify early warning signs of systemic conditions—especially those that show up first in the oral cavity.
At Boston House Dental Clinic, our team of specialist dentists near Liverpool Street and Bank take a proactive approach to preventive care. If we suspect acid reflux or other underlying conditions during your routine visit, we don’t just treat the symptoms—we look at the bigger picture and guide you toward the right medical support.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve experienced:
- Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
- Tooth erosion or unexplained sensitivity
- Difficulty swallowing or a chronic sore throat
…don’t ignore these signs.
Book a consultation with a specialist dentist in Liverpool Street, Bank, or the wider City of London today. At Boston House Dental Clinic, we don’t just protect your teeth—we protect your health.
Let’s detect problems early—before they become life-threatening.
