Signs and Symptoms of Desquamative Gingivitis - Desquamative gingivitis involves lesions of the free and attached gingiva. - It extends beyond the marginal gingiva and sometimes affects the alveolar mucosa. - The color of desquamative gingivitis is dusky red, unlike typical marginal gingivitis. - Plasma cell gingivitis is another form of gingivitis that affects both the attached and free gingiva.

Causes of Desquamative Gingivitis - Desquamative gingivitis is caused by various autoimmune diseases and allergies. - Specific conditions that can cause desquamative gingivitis include erosive lichen planus, mucous membrane pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, erythema exsudativum multiforme, and lupus erythematosus.

Diagnosis of Desquamative Gingivitis - Desquamative gingivitis is a descriptive clinical term, not a specific diagnosis. - Dermatologic conditions account for about 75% of cases, with oral lichen planus and cicatricial pemphigoid being the most common. - The exact cause of desquamative gingivitis remains unknown in approximately one-third of cases. - The term 'desquamative gingivitis' was coined in 1932, although the condition was recognised and reported earlier in 1894.

Differential Diagnosis of Desquamative Gingivitis - Desquamative gingivitis is a clinical term used to describe the condition, not a definitive diagnosis. - Dermatologic conditions are responsible for the majority of desquamative gingivitis cases. - Oral lichen planus and cicatricial pemphigoid account for over 95% of the dermatologic cases. - Approximately one-third of desquamative gingivitis cases have an unknown cause.

References - Newman MG, Takei HH, Klokkevold PR, Carranza FA (2012). Carranza's Clinical Periodontology (11th ed.). St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier/Saunders. pp.111–126. ISBN 978-1-4377-0416-7. - Lo Russo, L; Fedele, S; Guiglia, R; Ciavarella, D; Lo Muzio, L; Gallo, P; Di Liberto, C; Campisi, G (January 2008). Diagnostic pathways and clinical significance of desquamative gingivitis. Journal of Periodontology. 79 (1): 4–24. doi:10.1902/jop.2008.070231. PMID 18166088. - Odell EW (Editor) (2010). Clinical Problem Solving in Dentistry (3rd ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. p. 192. ISBN 9780443067846. - Welbury R; Duggal M; Hosey MT (2012). Paediatric Dentistry (4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 319. ISBN 978-0199574919.