Gingival involvement of oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the most common oral mucosa disorders. OLP gingival involvement is very frequently observed and is characterized by a wide range of clinical appearance, symptomatology, and locations. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence and clinical aspects of gingival lesions in a series of 213 patients affected by OLP.

We analyzed the prevalence and clinical aspects (location, morphology, and symptomatology) of the gingival lesions in a total of 213 clinically and histopathologically assessed patients affected by OLP.

Gingival lesions were diagnosed in 38.4% of cases. White lesions were the most frequently observed in the gingiva (42.7%), followed by mixed lesions (31.7%), and red lesions (25.6%). For the three clinical forms, the most frequent gingival location was the simultaneous involvement of the attached and marginal gingiva. None of the white lesions presented symptomatology, whereas most red lesions or mixed forms presented symptoms that varied from discomfort to severe oral pain or a burning sensation.

Considering the high frequency of gingival involvement in OLP, the diversity of clinical manifestations, and its potential relationship with general and oral health in patients, periodontists should be familiar with the most common clinical aspects of OLP in the gingiva.