A mistaken health belief resulting in gingival injury: a case report

This case report describes extensive ulceration of the gingiva caused by harsh and repetitive toothbrushing. The lesions wee localized to several areas of the mouth. Despite considerable pain, the patient had persisted in the causative toothbrushing pattern. He had absorbed an invalid health belief that when pain or bleeding occurred, he should utilize consistent harsh brushing in the affected areas. Following re-education, this brushing behavior was discarded and healing ensued. The origin of his health belief and its relationship to the behavioral principle of self-efficacy are discussed.