Study of Clinical Characteristics of Desquamative Gingivitis in 60 Patients in the North of Spain.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to know the clinical characteristics of desquamative gingivitis (DG) in a Spanish population in order to make an early diagnosis of this sign and, therefore, the underlying systemic disease.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients who presented with DG and who met the established inclusion criteria were selected. The following variables were collected from the patient's clinical history, examination, and pathological anatomy report: age at diagnosis, gender, underlying diseases, extent of lesions, intraoral lesions or extraoral involvement, form of appearance, and symptomatology.

RESULTS

The sample comprised of 60 patients. The mean age was 62.18 ± 11.22 years. The most common associated disease was OLP. The most common form of onset was erythematous (55%). 56.7% of the lesions appeared in the anterior and posterior region, and 68.3% appeared in all quadrants. 53.3% of patients were asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION

Diversity exists in terms of the appearance and extension of DG. It is important to stress to dental hygienists the importance of a proper diagnosis of any gingival lesions.