Fewer than one in 10 adults of England now smoke, with rates having halved since 2011, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed.
The proportion fell to 9.5% in 2025 from 10.4% in 2024, while than a quarter of adults previously smoked 15 years ago.
The figures also reveal a disparity in rates between regions, with smoking prevalence averaging 18.7% in Fenland, Cambridgeshire, compared with 4.3% in Epsom and Ewell.
Independent charity Oral Health Foundation has called for communities with the highest smoking rates to receive sustained support.
Rachael England, head of Policy and Advocacy at Oral Health Foundation, said: ‘Behind those figures are people and families facing an unequal burden of preventable illness.
‘Smoking increases the risk of mouth cancer and gum disease. Reducing smoking must therefore remain a priority in efforts to improve oral health and tackle health inequalities.’
'We need sustained investment in stop smoking services, with support focused on communities where smoking remains highest. Dental teams, pharmacies and GP practices all have a role in helping people find that support.'
The ONS data also shows an increase in vaping - over 5.4 million people aged 16 and above use e-cigarettes daily or occasionally with rates highest for 25-34 year olds. Additionally, there are 1.1 million people using e-cigarettes who have never smoked.
A review published by the BMJ’s Archives of Disease in Childhood found that vaping increases the risk of dental damage and gingivitis for young people.
Other potential oral impacts include dry mouth, irritation and changes affecting gum health.
According to the Department of Health and Social Care, ‘record investment’ and ‘landmark legislation’ is working to tackle the supply, promotion and availability of tobacco and nicotine products.
A new tax was introduced on 1 October aiming to reduce the affordability and appeal of vaping.
Public campaigns such as Stoptober encourage smokers to stop for 28 days, offering materials accessed by 70% of local authorities.
Health minister Alison McGovern said: ‘Today’s fall in smoking rates marks a major public health milestone and testament that sustained action to help people quit smoking is working.’
The minister added that there is ‘more to do’ in tackling the issue within ‘deprived’ communities where rates remain higher.
‘It is vital we support people to quit and lead healthier lives, so we will keep targeting support where it can make the greatest difference.’