Psychosocial behavioral patterns for adolescents.

Among the many formative issues in adolescents, determinants for health behaviors are being shaped. The development of positive oral health behavior in adolescents is a complex process. Areas specifically related to oral health include self-concept and its relation-ship to oral health and compliance with orthodontic care; tobacco use; special considerations including anorexia, bulimia, and troubled youths; and health promotions. Knowledge is necessary, but there must also be shifts in attitudes and the development of health-related behaviors. Establishing these attitudes and behaviors in adolescence is crucial, because patterns of behavior developed in adolescence can form the basis for future health.