Self-inflicted gingival injuries: literature review and case report.

A case of self-inflicted gingival injury in a 25-year-old male patient caused by compulsively overzealous oral hygiene practices is presented. Such injuries are rare among adults and, therefore, can be difficult to diagnose. Most reported cases have involved children who produced their injuries during periods of emotional turmoil. Evidence in this case indicates that this patient may have initiated the destructive process as a child. Guidelines which many help the clinician recognize self-inflicted gingival injuries are presented.