Self-injurious behavior: Report of a case and follow-up

A 10-year old Latin American female was diagnosed as having a self-inflicted injury of the mandibular anterior gingiva. She was referred for behavioral counseling and followed for a period of approximately 3 months. During this time period the injured area showed definite signs of healing and fewer follow up sessions were scheduled. The patient, however, failed to keep each appointment. With the discontinuance of follow up sessions, the lesion re-appeared. The need for long term follow up of patients with self-inflicted oral injuries is stressed.