Desquamative gingivitis: Diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Desquamative gingivitis is a clinical finding with several potential etiologies, and therefore histologic examination should be performed to confirm the diagnosis before the implementation of systemic therapy. The best methods for obtaining a mucosal biopsy specimen are discussed to aid the dermatologist in approaching these patients, and indications for additional testing, such as immunofluorescence studies, are reviewed. Desquamative gingivitis is uncommon, and there are no systematic guidelines to assist the physician in treatment, producing a practice gap in management. As such, this article focuses on treatment for individual conditions, with emphasis on levels of evidence. An emphasis is also placed on the role of dental care in disease control and the best methods for achieving good oral hygiene.

Keywords: biopsy; desquamative gingivitis; immunofluorescence; oral hygiene; systemic therapy; topical therapy.