Desquamative Gingivitis: A Sign of Mucocutaneous Disorder

Abstract

Desquamative gingivitis is characterized by erythematous gingiva, desquamation and erosion of the gingival epithelium.It is a clinical manifestation of various disorders that can manifest as a desquamative lesion of gingiva rather than a disease entity.It is seen mainly in adults, especially women, although rare cases have been observed in children. Failure to evaluate properly and systematically a patient with a clinical condition consistent with desquamative gingivitis can lead to unpleasant outcomes. Clinical features may be symptomatic to asymptomatic with complaints ranging from burning sensation to intense pain.Lesions are found in skin, genitalia, or oral mucosa, although confined to gingiva alone in some patients.Diagnosis and treatment planning depends on history,clinical features,histopathology and immunofluorescence. Correct diagnosis of mucocutaneous disorders where DG is a presenting manifestation involves taking a careful history and thorough intra-oral examination. A definitive diagnosis depends on taking an incisional biopsy from perilesional site and sending a fresh specimen for immunostaining.