Desquamative gingivitis – aetiology, diagnosis and management

The diagnosis and classification of mucosal disease for the busy general dental practitioner can be difficult since many mucosal diseases present with a similar oral appearance. The term desquamative gingivitis (DG) is often used as a descriptive term because the aetiology of the inflammation may originate from multiple oral conditions. In this review article, we discuss oral lichen planus, mucous membrane pemphigoid, and pemphigus vulgaris as the main mucocutaneous diseases associated with DG. The importance of plaque control is emphasized in the initial management of these cases. CPD/Clinical Relevance: As an oral complaint, patients will likely seek dental advice as their first point of contact for symptoms associated with DG. Therefore, an understanding of potential conditions that are causing their symptoms, as well as some general measures which may help improve their condition, are important.