Desquamative Gingivitis - A Clinicopathological Review

This article aims to review the etiology, clinical features and diagnosis of desquamative gingivitis in order to outline all the aspects necessary to increase the efficiency of patient management. Because of the polymorphic etiology, dental practitioners may elude the correct diagnose. Consequently, we find it important to underline all the clinical features that desquamative gingivitis may have as well as the associated oral lesions. Also we shortly review the systemic disorders that frequently associate desquamative gingivitis. It is important to know that the muco-cutaneous disorders frequently involved can have an abrupt onset with lesions sometimes confined to the gingiva. In evolution these diseases can be life threatening and a quick treatment can assure not only a more favorable evolution but also a better life quality. Laboratory analyses are mandatory in order to correctly diagnose the main systemic disorder. Histology and direct immunofluorescence investigations are the most accurate. Remission of the underlining disease brings improvement or even resolution of the oral lesions.