Desquamative gingivitis - A clinico-pathologic study

Gingival Desquamation is a clinical manifestation in many inflammatory and immunological disorders. Although, Oral lichen planus, pemphigus vulgaris and mucous membrane pemphigoid accounts for majority of cases of gingival desquamation, but rare case such as Linear Ig A disease, Plasma cell gingivitis, tuberculosis and chronic ulcerative stomatitis should also be taken into consideration. Gingival Desquamation may present as the only manifestation in some cases, while, it may be associated with other oral and extra oral manifestations, like wickham's striae in lichen planus, Nikolsky's sign in pemphigus vulgaris, Ocular involvement in mucous membrane pemphigoid which help in diagnosis. In such cases, the patient should be referred to the concerned specialists for extra oral lesions. Cases where gingival desquamation is the only presenting feature,should be carefully taken care of, as they can mimic plaque induced gingivitis.Thus, familiarisation of various clinical presentation of gingival desquamation is essential for early diagnosis and treatment planning.This book, deals in detail the various causes for gingival desquamation, along with the histopathological features.