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Diagnostic Pathways and Clinical Significance of Desquamative Gingivitis
Author(s) -
Lo Russo Lucio,
Fedele Stefano,
Guiglia Rosario,
Ciavarella Domenico,
Lo Muzio Lorenzo,
Gallo Pio,
Di Liberto Chiara,
Campisi Giuseppina
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.2008.070231
Subject(s) - medicine , dermatology , mucocutaneous zone , pemphigus vulgaris , gingivitis , oral mucosa , occult , differential diagnosis , mucous membrane , esophagus , pathology , disease , dentistry , alternative medicine
The term desquamative gingivitis (DG) refers to a clinical manifestation that can be caused by several disorders. Many of them are immunologically mediated; in addition to the oral cavity, they can affect extraoral mucocutaneous sites, e.g., larynx, conjunctiva, esophagus, nasal and genital mucosa, and the skin. The degree of oral, periodontal, and systemic involvement determines the overall morbidity and, sometimes, the mortality of these disorders. We comprehensively review disorders commonly associated with DG and highlight diagnostic pathways, guidelines for differential diagnosis, and oral, periodontal, and systemic implications. More rare conditions are reviewed as well. Mucous membrane pemphigoid, oral lichen planus, and pemphigus vulgaris are responsible for the majority of cases of DG. In addition, other uncommon disorders should be considered. Accurate clinical, histologic, and serologic investigations are often required to differentiate among DG‐associated disorders, provide adequate therapy, and improve the prognosis of patients.