title: Case report of self-injurious behaviour (SIB) presenting as gingivitis artefacta major.
abstract: The case report described here discusses gingivitis artefacta major, an oral presentation of self-injurious behaviour, in an adolescent. On presentation, the patient knew well the ramifications of her gum scratching behaviour, however, was unable to stop. At further presentations new lesions had appeared with further bone loss. The cause of her behaviour seemed to be of psychological origin and therefore no interventive dental treatment was possible until this issue was resolved. A more preventive approach was adopted in the meantime. Referral to appropriate services from the dental profession also proved to be challenging. In conclusion, gingivitis artefacta, although rarely seen to this extent, is extremely challenging to diagnose and treat fully in a dental setting.
authors.affiliation: Restorative Dentistry, 4th floor Edinburgh Dental Institute, Edinburgh. dentist.millen@btinternet.com
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Millen
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Roebuck
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010497:Pericoronitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D014078:Tooth Eruption; D017211:Treatment Failure