Minor self-inflicted injuries to the gingivae: gingivitis artefacta minor.

Three young patients with gingival injuries that were self-inflicted by a fingernail habit are presented. In each case the habit, which was provoked by a pre-existing locus of irritation, was stoped as soon as the locus (or trigger) was identified and treated. A distinction is drawn between these types of cases, (gingivitis artefacta minor), and those of gingivitis artefacta major where the habit is more deeply entrenched and the implications more serious.