We encourage patients of all ages to abstain from tobacco use. However, many teenagers choose to experiment with cigarettes, cigars and tobacco chews. Tobacco is full of carcinogens and can lead to leukoplakia (pre-cancer lesions) and oral cancer. You can discourage your child from using tobacco by talking to them about the dangers of tobacco products, monitoring your child’s daily activities and leading by example. Our dentist would be happy to talk to your child about tobacco use as well.