Desquamative gingivitis

The desquamative gingivitis is the clinical term given to the gingival manifestation of mucocutaneous diseases. It is characterized by an erythematous, glazed, friable and hemorrhagic gingiva, which can be accompanied by pains. Except the gingiva, the lesions can be localised on other oral mucous membranes or on the skin. The three principal diseases at the origin of the desquamative gingivitis are by order of frequency: the cicatricial pemphigo?d, erosive lichen planus and pemphigus. The knowledge of the clinical, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of these three affections is essential for the diagnosis and the suitable treatment of the desquamative gingivitis.     

Desquamative gingivitis: early presenting symptom of mucocutaneous disease.

Desquamation of the gingiva is a sign that may be encountered in clinical practice. Various diseases can affect the gingival tissues. Mild desquamation that is localized may be associated with mechanical irritation or induced by trauma. Moderate to severe generalized desquamation associated with ulceration and erythema may be indicative of a more serious systemic condition. Although often overlooked, mucocutaneous diseases frequently present with gingival desquamation as an early presenting symptom. The most common mucocutaneous diseases that affect the oral cavity are lichen planus, pemphigus, and mucous membrane pemphigoid. This article reviews the etiology, signs and symptoms, and therapies for these disorders. Increased knowledge of mucocutaneous diseases can help the clinician recognize these disorders and enable the patient to receive appropriate therapy.     

Desquamative gingivitis: preliminary observations with tetracycline treatment

Fourteen patients admitted to our clinic were found to have desquamative gingivitis. They were treated with doxycycline monohydrate, a semisynthetic tetracycline, for 6 to 8 weeks. The gingival lesions were recorded photographically and were classified according to severity by means of a four-graded mucosal index system. Biopsies for histologic and immunohistochemical examination were taken initially. Symptoms and clinical changes of the mucosa were recorded during the treatment period. Initial and final mucosal index scores were compared. A statistically significant improvement was obtained after tetracycline treatment.     

Desquamative gingivitis and extragingival collapsed bulla

Mucous membrane pemphigoid is a relatively rare, chronic scarring vesiculobullous disease that frequently affects the oral and ocular mucosa. Other mucous membranes and skin are less frequently affected. Characteristic oral lesions include desquamative gingivitis, and extragingival ulcers and collapsed vesicles and bullae. Ocular involvement may lead to blindness. Local and systemic corticoid hormones, dapsone, and periodontal therapy have all been used with variable success to treat the disease.     

Desquamative gingivitis: a sign of mucocutaneous disorders--a review

Desquamative gingivitis is a clinical term to describe red, painful, glazed and friable gingivae which may be a manifestation of some mucocutaneous conditions such as lichen planus or the vesiculobullous disorders. It is important to be aware of this rare clinical entity so as to distinguish desquamative gingivitis from plaque induced gingivitis which is an extremely common condition, easily recognized and treated daily by the dental practitioner. This article gives an overview of desquamative gingivitis, its presentation, the possible causes, diagnosis and treatment. Early recognition of these lesions may prevent delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment of potentially serious dermatological diseases.     

Desquamative gingivitis responding to treatment with tetracycline: a pilot study

We experienced remarkable regression of clinical signs and symptoms in three patients suffering from desquamative gingivitis, after treatment with 100 mg doxycycline monohydrate daily for 8 wk. The possible role of plaque substances as etiologic factors in the development or maintenance of desquamative gingivitis is postulated.     

Desquamative gingivitis responding to treatment with tetracycline: a pilot study

Abstract – We experienced remarkable regression of clinical signs and symptoms in three patients suffering from desquamative gingivitis, after treatment with 100 mg doxycycline monohydrate daily for 8 wk. The possible role of plaque substances as etiologic factors in the development or maintenance of desquamative gingivitis is postulated.     

Desquamative gingivitis: retrospective analysis of disease associations of a large cohort

Background:  Desquamative gingivitis (DG) is usually a manifestation of immunologically mediated mucocutaneous disorders, although it was previously suggested to be hormonally related.
Methods:  One hundred and eighty-seven Caucasian UK residents with clinical features of DG (126 female, median age of 51 years, range 23–93 years) were retrospectively evaluated.
Results:  It was established that, in this population, the largest cohort yet reported, oral lichen planus was most common (70.5%) while mucous membrane pemphigoid (14%), pemphigus vulgaris (13%), linear IgA disease (1.6%), dermatomyositis (0.5%) and mixed connective tissue disease (0.5%) were less common.
Conclusion:  Oral lichen planus is the main disorder associated with DG. However, DG may be a feature of bullous disease and connective tissue disease.