Desquamative gingival lesions: A new index proposal with brief review of current literature

Abstract

Desquamative gingival lesions (DGLs) is non-specific response of gingiva to various mucocutaneous conditions. The prevalence of DGL is increasing and due to its complex clinical presentation, it is often diagnosed late, which in turns aggravates the disease progression, extra oral involvement and affects quality of life of the patient. It is important to understand the clinical presentation of DGL and quantify the severity of DGL. In existing literature, clinical signs, symptoms as well as the factors involved are well discussed. However, there is no index to measure severity of DGL which can be utilised for epidemiological purposes, clinical communication, patient education and patient motivation. Quantifying an entity requires an index which could help in better understanding for educational purpose for undergraduates. This article reviews current literature and aims to fill the current research gap by proposing an index which could be applied to measure severity, progression and extent of DGL.

Keywords

• desquamative gingival lesions
• desquamative gingivitis
• index
• mucocutaneous lesion