[Desquamative gingivitis: etiopathogenetic and clinical assessment]

The aetiopathogenetic, diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic aspects of a particular form of gingival condition given various names in the past but presently defined as "chronic desquamative gingivitis" have been examined. Desquamative gingivitis is an uncommon clinical condition whose aetiology remains uncertain. It has therefore not yet been definitely established wether it is a specific entity or whether, as is confirmed by much clinical evidence and laboratory data, it is merely an oral clinical sign of dermatological type pathologies (pemphigus vulgaris, benign mucosal pemphigoid, bullous pemphigoid, erosive lichen ruber planus, psoriasis).