Most children will have lost all their baby teeth and have 28 permanent teeth by the age of 13 or 14.

Wisdom Teeth
The third molars or "wisdom teeth" may come in between the ages of 17 and 21. Some people do not have enough room for these third molars. If they come in at an angle, or are trapped (impacted) between the jawbone and another tooth, they may need to be removed.

Teenagers are concerned about their breath. They are drawn to advertised "quick fix" products such as candy breath fresheners, chewing gum and mouthwashes. They need to
be reminded that in most cases bad breath is caused by the gases produced from plaque. Brushing and flossing remove bacteria, acid and gases that breath mints, chewing gum or mouthwash only mask. Candy fresheners may contain sugar, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Some mouthwashes may contain alcohol, which is drying to the mouth and can also be a risk factor in tooth decay.

Teenagers are often self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth and may try abrasive toothpastes and tooth whiteners containing strong bleaches. These are NOT recommended. They can cause harm to the tooth enamel and gums. To remove stains and tartar, the teeth have to be scaled and polished by a dental professional.

Remind teenagers that the best care continues to be brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day.

Tobacco companies are targeting their cigarette and spit tobacco advertising to younger and younger children.  One-half of Saskatchewan smokers began to use tobacco by the age of 13.
"Eight out of 10 children who try smoking get hooked."
- Health Canada
Children are less likely to use tobacco products if their parents don't.

Smokeless tobacco (spit tobacco and snuff) is becoming more popular among teens. They have been led to believe that it is a healthy alternative to smoking because it does not generate second hand smoke. Smokeless tobacco is just as dangerous to your health as cigarette smoking. Holding an average-sized wad of dip or chew in the mouth for thirty minutes gives as much nicotine as smoking four cigarettes.

Remember, smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco:

• Are addictive. Don't start.
• Causes mouth, throat, stomach, lung and other cancers.
• Causes heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure.
• Causes bad breath, stained teeth, loss of taste, receding gums, gum diseases and tooth decay.

If you smoke or chew, stop before it is too late. Ask a health professional for information on Tobacco Cessation programs in your area.

Regular dental visits are very important, because teenagers are more at risk for tooth decay and the early stages of gum disease. Professional cleaning will remove the tartar that irritates gums and removes stains to help brighten the teeth. The dental professional can also check to see how the wisdom teeth are developing.

Extra care must be taken to keep the teeth and gums clean if the teenager is wearing braces.