Open AccessCase report of gingivitis artefacta (Self-injurious behavior)
Author(s) -
Altaf Hussain Chalkoo,
Gowhar Y Peerzada,
Nusrat N Makroo
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of indian academy of oral medicine and radiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 0975-1572
pISSN - 0972-1363
DOI - 10.4103/0972-1363.195656
Subject(s) - medicine , gingivitis , scalp , dermatology , gingival disease , referral , periodontal disease , dentistry , family medicine
This case report discusses gingivitis artefacta, an oral presentation of self-injurious behavior (SIB), in a 26-year-old male who also presented with excoriations on the chest, abdomen and back (dermatillomania) along with well-circumscribed areas of hair loss on the scalp (trichotillomania). Gingivitis artefacta is a type of periodontal disease caused by self-inflicted injuries to the gingival tissues. The injuries, most commonly, occur due to picking or scratching of the gingiva with fingernails or any foreign object. SIB is a complex disorder. The cause of his behavior appeared to be of psychological origin, and therefore, referral to the Department of Psychiatry was made. Gingivitis artefacta is rarely seen and practitioners need to be aware of such presentations in patients