Gingiva and periodontium in lepromatous leprosy. A clinical, radiological, and microscopical study.

Thirty patients with lepromatous leprosy of long duration were examined for gingival and periodontal changes. All patients presented with chronic gingivitis and periodontitis of an unspecific type. Etiologic factors affecting the development of gingival and periodontal changes in this disease are: lack of oral hygiene with severe plaque and calculus formation due to the inability of the patients to perform oral hygiene, mouth breathing, specific granulomatous infiltrations, and a possible specific drug action. Specific changes in form of 'facies leprosa' are not pathognomonic of lepromatous leprosy but may be found in 20% of the cases among Thai and Chinese patients. Occurrence and pathogenesis of 'facies leprosa' is described.