Desquamative gingivitis

Desquamative gingivitis is a clinical finding with several potential etiologies. Among the most common are oral lichen planus, cicatricial pemphigoid, and pemphigus vulgaris, though various other differential diagnoses exist. The presence of desquamative gingivitis often results in poor oral hygiene, which can have downstream consequences, including periodontitis and tooth loss. Though certain mucosal findings may be suggestive of a particular diagnosis, a thorough history, physical examination, and appropriate dermato- and immunopathologic assessment is necessary for narrowing this broad differential diagnosis.