Epidemiology of desquamative gingivitis: evaluation of 125 patients and review of the literature

Prevalence of immune mediated vesiculobullous lesions among patients visiting a private dental hospital with special emphasis on gingival manifestation

Background and Aim

Vesiculobullous lesions are a group of mucocutaneous lesions that are predominantly immune-mediated but may also have a genetic or viral origin. The most common site of occurrence is buccal mucosa, whereas the number of cases involving gingiva is comparatively low. Based on the literature, although numerous studies have reported the prevalence of vesiculobullous lesions in the nonkeratinized epithelium, there is a dearth of knowledge about its occurrence in keratinized oral mucosa, especially gingiva. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of immune-mediated oral vesiculobullous lesions emphasizing the occurrence in keratinized mucosa, especially the gingiva, among patients visiting a private dental hospital.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in a private teaching dental institute and hospital setting. Out of 615 incisional biopsies received in the department of oral pathology, between June 2019 and April 2021, n = 22 samples were immune-mediated vesiculobullous lesions confirmed by clinical and histopathological diagnosis after eliminating lesions of viral origin. Patient details including age, gender, site, duration, and systemic illness were collected from the digital information archiving software and analyzed by appropriate statistics using SPSS software.

Results

Based on the results, 95.5% of the patients had histopathological features of intraepithelial clefting and only 4.5% of them showed subepithelial clefting. Female predilection was 6.3:1. The most common site of involvement was nonkeratinized mucosa (36.36%) and 59.09% of the patients presented with systemic illness.

Conclusion

The study shows most of the features of pemphigus is consistent in gingiva and other parts of oral mucosa. The dental practitioners should be aware of the various oral manifestations of such lesions to ensure accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Desquamative Gingivitis in the Context of Autoimmune Bullous Dermatoses and Lichen Planus-Challenges in the Diagnosis and Treatment

Desquamative gingivitis (DG) is a clinical term that describes erythema, desquamation and erosions of the gingiva, of various etiologies. Although the clinical aspect is not specific for a certain disease, an accurate diagnosis of the underlying disorder is necessary because the disease course, prognosis and treatment vary according to the cause. DG may inflict significant oral discomfort, which is why patients typically present to the dentist for a first consultation, rendering it important for these specialists to be informed about this condition. Our paper aims to review the ethiopatogenesis and diagnostic approach of DG, focusing on the most common underlying disorders (autoimmune bullous dermatoses and lichen planus) and on the management of these patients. Potential etiological agents leading to an inflammatory immune response in the oral mucosa and DG appearance include genetic predisposition, metabolic, neuropsychiatric, infectious factors, medication, dental materials, graft-versus-host reaction and autoimmunity. A thorough anamnesis, a careful clinical examination, paraclinical explorations including histopathological exam and direct immunofluorescence are necessary to formulate an appropriate diagnosis. Proper and prompt management of these patients lead to a better prognosis and improved quality of life, and must include management in the dental office with sanitizing the oral cavity, instructing the patient for rigorous oral hygiene, periodic follow-up for bacterial plaque detection and removal, as well as topical and systemic therapy depending on the underlying disorder, based on treatment algorithms. A multidisciplinary approach for the diagnosis and follow-up of DG in the context of pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid, cicatricial pemhigoid or lichen planus is necessary, including consultations with dermatologists, oral medicine specialists and dentists.

Retrospective study of gingival involvement in pemphigus: a difficult to treat phenomenon

BACKGROUND

Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune diseases characterized by flaccid lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. In pemphigus vulgaris, the most common subtype of pemphigus, lesions might be appeared anywhere on the oral mucosa, mostly in the buccal mucosa. However, the gingiva is a less frequently affected site.

METHODS

Here, we performed a retrospective study at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, covering a two-year period to identify pemphigus patients with active lesions confined to the gingiva.

RESULTS

Considering 1787 initially evaluated pemphigus cases, 512 (28.6%) were found to have a history of gingival involvement. Among them, 31 patients had only gingival involvement during their last visit, including 29 (93.5%) women and only two (6.5%) men. The mean of disease duration in this group was 5.29±3.46 years, and they had gingival involvement for a mean of 23.9±19.3 months. Of 28 patients, nine were negative for anti-Dsg3 and 24 were negative for anti-Dsg1. In 24 patients, who received rituximab, the mean PDAI specifically for gingiva was 4.76±0.74 at baseline, which had changed to 4.13±0.75 and 3.26±0.63 three and six months after rituximab administration, respectively. After three months, gingival lesions were either entirely resolved (n=3), partially resolved (n=11), remained unchanged (n=2), or progressed (n=7).

CONCLUSIONS

Gingiva-confined presentation of lesions in pemphigus could be non-anti-Dsg1/3 dependent in some patients. Such patients do not respond well to conventional treatments and rituximab therapy. More studies on the pathogenesis of gingiva-confined presentation of pemphigus are required. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Mucous membrane pemphigoid

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a clinically and immunopathologically heterogenous disease with an incidence of about 2/million inhabitants/year in central Europe. Pemphigoid diseases are characterized by autoantibodies against structural proteins of the epidermis and/or surface-close epithelia. MMP has been defined as pemphigoid disease with predominant mucosal lesions. Most frequently, the oral cavity and the conjunctivae are affected. Lesions outside the mouth tend to heal with scarring leading to visual impairment and finally blindness, as well as, more rarely, impairment of breathing and food intake. Autoantibodies target BP180 (collagen type XVII), laminin 332, BP230 (nearly always in conjunction with other antigens), and type VII collagen in about 75%, 10-20%, 10-30%, and <5% of MMP patients, respectively. While the main autoantibody isotype is IgG, additional, and less frequently, exclusive IgA autoantibodies can be detected in the majority of patients. Assaying for anti-laminin 332 reactivity is pivotal, since in about a quarter of patients with anti-laminin 332 MMP, a malignancy, mainly solid cancers, is associated. The pathophysiology of MMP is yet incompletely understood. A recent mouse model of anti-laminin 332 MMP replicating characteristic clinical and immunopathological findings of the human disease may be helpful to close this knowledge gap. Diagnosis is established by the clinical picture with predominant mucosal lesions and visualization of tissue-bound anti-basement membrane zone antibodies by direct immunofluorescence microscopy. In recent S3 guidelines initiated by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, the clinical spectrum and diagnostic strategies are detailed. In addition, treatment regimens for different clinical situations including patients with exclusive oral or ocular involvement are outlined. Future studies are needed to better understand the clinal complexity and associations as well as to establish widely available diagnostic assays and evidence-based therapeutic strategies.

Diagnostic Concordance between Optical Coherence Tomography and Histological Investigations for Immune-Mediated Desquamative Gingivitis: Observational Study

Desquamative gingivitis (DG) denotes a heterogeneous immune-mediated disease for which early diagnosis represents a great challenge. The main aim of this study is to validate diagnostic concordance between specific Optical Coherence Tomography (OTC) patterns for DG related to oral Lichen Planus (OLP), Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV), and Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid (MMP) and definitive histological diagnosis. Forty-three patients with suspected immune-mediated DGs, were progressively recruited. Before biopsy, an OCT preliminary evaluation was performed using specific pre-determined OCT diagnostic patterns (i.e., morphology and localization of blisters, status of the basal membrane, epithelial thickness, presence/absence of acantholytic cells into blister and/or inflammatory infiltrate) related to OLP, PV and MMP. After histological confirmation, OCT and histological diagnoses were compared. Using pre-determined patterns, OCT diagnoses of DGs were: 22 (51%) OLP, of which 11 (26%) were with the bullous variant, 4 (9%) PV and 6 (14%) MMP. The same diagnoses were found by histological investigations (with the main OCT discriminatory potential for the bullous variant of OLP). The concordance between the two diagnostic methods was confirmed by the Fisher exact test (p-value < 0.01). These specific OCT patterns show a diagnostic reliability in 100% of the cases investigated, suggesting their accuracy to support the complex diagnosis and management of immune-mediated DGs.

Desquamative gingivitis: a challenging diagnosis for clinicians

Introduction Diagnosis of underlying causes for desquamative gingivitis (DG) is often delayed in clinical settings, but little is known about factors influencing its delayed diagnosis. We investigated the diagnostic patterns and associated factors in a cohort of patients presenting primarily with DG.Materials and methods A total of 41 patients presenting primarily with DG were interviewed to evaluate professional and patient diagnostic delays. Severity of DG was evaluated using the desquamative gingivitis clinical score (DGCS) proposed by Arduino <i>et al.</i> (2017).Results The study sample was composed of 29 females and 12 males. On average, patients waited 10.8 ± 10 months (range 4-20 months) before seeking their first professional consultation (that is, patient delay). Less severe disease and female gender were significantly associated with longer patient delay. Patients consulted an average of 4.1 ± 2 healthcare professionals (range two to six) before a definitive diagnosis was reached, with an average professional delay of 7.3 ± 5 months (range 2-11 months). Professional delay was positively correlated with the number of professional consultations (r = 0.69) and absence of other oral mucosal lesions or extraoral involvement.Conclusions Considerable diagnostic delay is a feature of the natural history of DG. Increased patient knowledge and professional awareness regarding DG symptoms and diagnostic measures is needed to reduce diagnostic delay and improve patients' experience with this disease.

Effectiveness of vitamin D for adult patients with gingivitis

BACKGROUND

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of vitamin D for the management of adult patients with gingivitis.

METHODS

We will perform a comprehensive search from the following electronic databases: Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, WANGFANG, VIP, CBM, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All databases will be searched from their inceptions to the present without language limitation. We will also search for unpublished data to avoid missing more potential studies. Two authors will carry out study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality evaluation, respectively. RevMan 5.3 software will be utilized for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

This study will summarize the up-to-date evidence about the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D for the management of adult patients with gingivitis through assessing modified gingival, gingival bleeding indices, inflammatory factors, plaque, quality of life, and any adverse events.

CONCLUSION

This study may provide helpful evidence of vitamin D for the management of adult patients with gingivitis for clinical practice.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42019156561.

Oral mucosal peeling related to dentifrices and mouthwashes: A systematic review

Background

The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the clinical information available about oral mucosal peeling (OMP) and to explore its aetiopathogenic association with dentifrices and mouthwashes.

Material and Methods

PICOS outline: Population: subjects diagnosed clinically and/or pathologically. Intervention: exposition to oral hygiene products. Comparisons: patients using products at different concentrations. Outcomes: clinicopathological outcomes (primary) and oral epithelial desquamation (secondary) after use. Study design: any. Exclusion criteria: reports on secondary or unpublished data, in vitro studies. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers.

Results

Fifteen reports were selected from 410 identified. Descriptive studies mainly showed low bias risk, experimental studies mostly an “unclear risk”. Dentifrices or mouthwashes were linked to OMP, with an unknown origin in 5 subjects. Sodium lauryl-sulphate (SLS) was behind this disorder in 21 subjects, tartar-control dentifrices in 2, and flavouring agents in 1 case. Desquamation extension was linked to SLS concentration. Most cases were painless, leaving normal mucosa after desquamation. Tartar-control dentifrices caused ulcerations more frequently.

Conclusions

OMP management should consider differential diagnosis with oral desquamative lesions, particularly desquamative gingivitis, with a guided clinical interview together with pathological confirmation while discouraging the use of the product responsible for OMP.

Key words:Systematic review, oral mucosal peeling, dentifrices, sodium lauryl-sulphate, oral hygiene products.

Oral hygiene instructions and professional control as part of the treatment of desquamative gingivitis. Systematic review

Background

The aim of this present article was to evaluate the scientific evidence on the efficacy of daily hygiene and professional prophylaxis for treatment of desquamative gingivitis.

Material and Methods

The present systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA protocol. Searches were carried out in Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library up to July 2018, randomized clinical trials and cohort studies on desquamative gingivitis (DG), and oral diseases joined to DG.

Results

After screening, we found that nine publications met the eligibility criteria eight cohort studies and one randomized control trial. The diagnosis of the diseases corresponded to oral lichen planus (n=185), mucous membrane pemphigoid (n=13); plasma cell gingivitits (n=15) and pemphigus vulgar (n=11). The follow-up was between a week and a year after instructing patients. Dental daily hygiene and professional prophylaxis, at least with supragingival scaling and polishing have significantly improved the extension of the lesion and reduced the activity of DG, and gingival bleeding in all patients. Furthermore, these techniques have also reduced pain and gingival plaque.

Conclusions

In conclusion the studies presented support the efficacy of maintaining personal and professional oral hygiene in patients with GD, reducing the clinical signs of the disease, regardless of its pathogenesis.

Key words:Desquamative gingivitis, oral hygiene, oral lichen planus, mucous membrane pemphigoid; pemphigus, plasma cell gingivitis.

Erythematous and Vascular Oral Mucosal Lesions: A Clinicopathologic Review of Red Entities

Erythematous lesions of the oral mucosa are common and can reflect a variety of conditions, ranging from benign reactive or immunologically-mediated disorders to malignant disease. Together with vascular abnormalities, which can vary from reddish to bluish-purple in color, the differential diagnosis for erythematous oral mucosal change is quite diverse. This review focuses on salient clinical features and histopathologic findings of selected conditions which clinically present as red or vascular-like oral mucosal alterations, including oral vascular malformations and neoplasms, pyogenic granuloma, localized juvenile spongiotic gingival hyperplasia, denture stomatitis, benign migratory glossitis (geographic tongue), orofacial granulomatosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener granulomatosis), megaloblastic anemia, and erythroplakia. Recognition of the characteristic clinical features of these conditions, in conjunction with thorough patient history, will allow clinicians to narrow the differential diagnosis and guide appropriate clinical decision making, including the need for tissue biopsy, in order to complete the diagnostic process and initiate optimal patient care.

Oral Lichenoid Lesion Manifesting as Desquamative Gingivitis: Unlikely Association? Case Report

Introduction:

The aim of this report is to present a clinical case of oral lichenoid lesions associated with amalgam restorations with the presence of desquamative gingivitis for a nine months follow up period.

Case Report:

The histopathologic characteristics and direct immunofluorescence were compatible with Oral Lichenoid Lesion (LLO). Diagnosis was based on a synthesis of all available information, including medical history, clinical examination, histopathology and the results of specific tests, such as the patch test, which confirmed allergy to thimerosal, an organic compound of mercury.

Discussion:

The replacement of amalgam restorations has brought improvements to the instrument, as evidenced by the disappearance of desquamative gingivitis, aspect erythematosus and erosive lesions. The fading does not complete the same, however, indicates the need to continue has been under continuous observation, the patient, having in view the possibility of the existence of an underlying lichen planus.

Oral lichen planus and its relationship with systemic diseases. A review of evidence

BACKGROUND

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the most common dermatological diseases which are present in the oral cavity. It is a chronic autoimmune, mucocutaneous disease that affects the oral mucosa as well as the skin, genital mucosa and other sites.

OBJECTIVE

Review the relevant information to OLP and its relationship with systemic diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Searches were carried out in the Medline/PubMed, Lilacs, Bireme, BVS, and SciELO databases by using key-words. After an initial search that provided us with 243 papers, this number was reduced to 78 from the last seven years. One of the first criteria adopted was a selective reading of the abstracts of articles for the elimination of publications that presented less information regarding the subject proposed for this work. All the selected articles were read in their entirety by all of the authors, who came to a consensus about their level of evidence. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) criteria were used as the criteria of methodological validation.

RESULTS

Only 9 articles showed an evidence level of 1+, 2+, 3 or 4, as well as a recommendation level of A, B, C or D. Three of them were non-systematic reviews, one was a cohort study and only one was a controlled clinical trial. Three of the studies were case series, with respective sample sizes of 45, 171 and 633 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Several factors have been associated with OLP. Patients with OLP are carriers of a disease with systemic implications and may need the care of a multidisciplinary team. The correct diagnosis of any pathology is critical to making effective treatment and minimizes iatrogenic harm. For OLP is no different, taking into account its association with numerous systemic diseases that require special attention from health professionals. Periodic follow-up of all patients with OLP is recommended. Key words:Oral lichen planus, etiopathogenesis, systemic diseases.

The Periodontium as a Potential Cause of Orofacial Pain: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction:

Orofacial pain of periodontal origin has a wide range of causes, and its high prevalence and negative effect on patients' quality of life make intervention mandatory. This review provides a periodontological overview of the field of orofacial pain, focusing on the entities which involve the periodontal tissues and may be the cause of this pain or discomfort.

Methods:

The study comprised a literature search of these pathologies conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed Database. Acute infectious entities such as gingival and periodontal abscesses are emergencies that require a rapid response. Periodontitis associated with endodontic processes, necrotizing periodontal disorders, desquamative gingivitis, gingival recession, and mucogingival herpetic lesions, cause mild to severe pain due to tissue destruction and loss. Other lesions that lead to periodontal discomfort include gingival enlargement and periodontal ligament strains associated with occlusal trauma, parafunctional habit and the impaction of food or foreign bodies.

Conclusion:

A range of therapeutic, pharmacological and surgical alternatives are available for the management of these injuries. However, the wide variety of causes of orofacial pain or periodontal discomfort may confuse the clinician during diagnosis and may lead to the wrong choice of treatment.

Original Research. The Influence of Desquamative Gingivitis on Periodontal Health

Background: Desquamative gingivitis (DG) is a non-plaque-induced, blistering and painful condition occurring most frequently on the labial aspect of the attached gingiva of anterior teeth. The incidence of DG is highest around 50 years of age, and usually indicates the presence of oral or systemic diseases. The purpose of our study was to determine the impact of DG on periodontal health by recording the plaque index, gingival index and gingival bleeding index in a group of patients with DG, compared to healthy controls. Materials and methods: Recordings of specific indices were performed in a group of 26 patients with DG and compared with 24 healthy individuals. These were followed by radiographic examinations in order to assess the loss of marginal alveolar bone. Results: The results showed that patients with DG had a statistically significant increase in periodontal indices, with more gingival inflammation and plaque retention compared to the control group (p <0.05). The highest scores for gingival inflammation were recorded in patients with DG, but on radiographic evaluation the difference was related only to gender, men being more affected by alveolar bone loss in both groups (p <0.05). Conclusions: The incidence and severity of gingival inflammation proved to be higher in patients with DG, which calls for better preventive and maintenance treatment protocols in this group of patients. Early diagnosis and initial-phase periodontal treatment are very important in preventing further tissue breakdown.

Desquamative gingivitis: A review

Desquamative gingivitis (DG) is characterized by the erythematous gingiva, desquamation and erosion of the gingival epithelium, and blister formation. It is a common clinical manifestation in several diseases. Contact allergic reactions to various oral hygiene products and chemical agents have also been reported to represent as DG. The management of DG has been a major problem, largely because the etiology of the disease has been elusive. In this paper, we aimed to review the current literature on the pathogenesis, diagnosis management and prognosis of DG.

Comparison the efficacy of herbal mouthwash with chlorhexidine on gingival index of intubated patients in Intensive Care Unit

Background:

Intubated patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are not able to take care of their mouth health, so they are at risk of bacterial colonization and dental plaques formation that can lead to systemic diseases such as pneumonia and gingivitis.

Aims:

In randomized, double-blind clinical study, the efficacy of natural herbal mouthwash containing Salvadora persica ethanol extract and Aloe vera gel was compared with chlorhexidine on gingival index (GI) of intubated patients in ICU.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-six intubated patients (18–64 years old with mean age 40.35 ± 13.2) in ICU were admitted to this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: (1) Herbal mouthwash and (2) chlorhexidine solution. Before the intervention, the GIs was measured by modified GI device into two groups. The mouth was rinsed by mouthwashes every 2–3 h for 4 days. 2 h after the last intervention, GIs were determined.

Results:

Along with mechanical methods, herbal mouthwash in reducing GI was statistically significant than that of chlorhexidine (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The results of this study introduce a new botanical extract mouthwash with dominant healing effects on GI (1.5 ± 0.6) higher than that of synthetic mouthwash, chlorhexidine (2.31 ± 0.73).

Acute periodontal lesions

This review provides updates on acute conditions affecting the periodontal tissues, including abscesses in the periodontium, necrotizing periodontal diseases and other acute conditions that cause gingival lesions with acute presentation, such as infectious processes not associated with oral bacterial biofilms, mucocutaneous disorders and traumatic and allergic lesions. A periodontal abscess is clinically important because it is a relatively frequent dental emergency, it can compromise the periodontal prognosis of the affected tooth and bacteria within the abscess can spread and cause infections in other body sites. Different types of abscesses have been identified, mainly classified by their etiology, and there are clear differences between those affecting a pre-existing periodontal pocket and those affecting healthy sites. Therapy for this acute condition consists of drainage and tissue debridement, while an evaluation of the need for systemic antimicrobial therapy will be made for each case, based on local and systemic factors. The definitive treatment of the pre-existing condition should be accomplished after the acute phase is controlled. Necrotizing periodontal diseases present three typical clinical features: papilla necrosis, gingival bleeding and pain. Although the prevalence of these diseases is not high, their importance is clear because they represent the most severe conditions associated with the dental biofilm, with very rapid tissue destruction. In addition to bacteria, the etiology of necrotizing periodontal disease includes numerous factors that alter the host response and predispose to these diseases, namely HIV infection, malnutrition, stress or tobacco smoking. The treatment consists of superficial debridement, careful mechanical oral hygiene, rinsing with chlorhexidine and daily re-evaluation. Systemic antimicrobials may be used adjunctively in severe cases or in nonresponding conditions, being the first option metronidazole. Once the acute disease is under control, definitive treatment should be provided, including appropriate therapy for the pre-existing gingivitis or periodontitis. Among other acute conditions affecting the periodontal tissues, but not caused by the microorganisms present in oral biofilms, infectious diseases, mucocutaneous diseases and traumatic or allergic lesions can be listed. In most cases, the gingival involvement is not severe; however, these conditions are common and may prompt an emergency dental visit. These conditions may have the appearance of an erythematous lesion, which is sometimes erosive. Erosive lesions may be the direct result of trauma or a consequence of the breaking of vesicles and bullae. A proper differential diagnosis is important for adequate management of the case.

Oral mucosal manifestations of autoimmune skin diseases

A group of autoimmune diseases is characterised by autoantibodies against epithelial adhesion structures and/or tissue-tropic lymphocytes driving inflammatory processes resulting in specific pathology at the mucosal surfaces and the skin. The most frequent site of mucosal involvement in autoimmune diseases is the oral cavity. Broadly, these diseases include conditions affecting the cell-cell adhesion causing intra-epithelial blistering and those where autoantibodies or infiltration lymphocytes cause a loss of cell-matrix adhesion or interface inflammation. Clinically, patients present with blistering, erosions and ulcers that may affect the skin as well as further mucosal surfaces of the eyes, nose and genitalia. While the autoimmune disease may be suspected based on clinical manifestations, demonstration of tissue-bound and circulating autoantibodies, or lymphocytic infiltrates, by various methods including histological examination, direct and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, immunoblotting and quantitative immunoassay is a prerequisite for definitive diagnosis. Given the frequency of oral involvement and the fact that oral mucosa is the initially affected site in many cases, the informed practitioner should be well acquainted with diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of autoimmune dermatosis with oral involvement. This paper reviews the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of these conditions in the oral cavity with a specific emphasis on their differential diagnosis and current management approaches.

Cost-effectiveness of personalized plaque control for managing the gingival manifestations of oral lichen planus: a randomized controlled study

AIM

To undertake cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses of an intervention to improve oral health in patients presenting with the gingival manifestations of oral lichen planus (OLP).

MATERIALS & METHODS

Eighty-two patients were recruited to a 20-week randomized controlled trial. The intervention was personalized plaque control comprising powered tooth brushing and inter-dental cleaning advice. The primary outcome measure was the oral health impact profile (OHIP) with secondary outcomes of pain, plaque index, mucosal disease score and cost-effectiveness. Private cost data and stated willingness-to-pay (WTP) values for treatment were obtained from intervention patients at 20 weeks.

RESULTS

Overall, 81% of intervention patients showed improvement in both plaque index and mucosal disease score at 20 weeks compared to 30% of controls that continued with their usual plaque control regimen. All intervention group patients stated a positive WTP value. The mean net value of the treatment was £172 compared to the incremental cost of the treatment estimated at £122.75. The cost-effectiveness analysis resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £13 per OHIP point.

CONCLUSIONS

The tailored plaque control programme was more effective than control in treating the gingival manifestations of oral lichen planus. The programme is cost effective for modest values placed on a point on the OHIP scale and patients generally valued the treatment in excess of the cost.

Reflectance confocal microscopy as a new tool in the in vivo evaluation of desquamative gingivitis: patterns in mucous membrane pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris and oral lichen planus

BACKGROUND

Desquamative gingivitis refers to a clinical manifestation associated with several mucocutaneous disorders. The most common are mucous membrane pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris and lichen planus. Their specific diagnosis is better established by histopathological and immunofluorescence evaluation.

OBJECTIVES

To examine cases of desquamative gingivitis using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and compare the findings with those of normal gingiva. To compare RCM findings in desquamative gingivitis with conventional histopathology of the biopsied lesions, in order to establish criteria for this noninvasive diagnostic technique.

METHODS

A total of 25 cases of suspected mucous membrane pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris and lichen planus were included. RCM was performed on the gingiva of a healthy person and on gingival lesions. All lesions were biopsied in order to perform a RCM-histopathological correlation.

RESULTS

Reflectance confocal microscopy examination of the gingival lesions suspected to be mucous membrane pemphigoid revealed a separation at the level of the dermal-epidermal junction, filled with small, bright structures interpreted as blood cells. Histopathological and immunofluorescence findings confirmed the diagnosis. For pemphigus vulgaris, RCM features were intraepithelial clefts with round, detached cells interpreted as acantholytic keratinocytes, similar to the histopathological features. Hyperkeratosis and spongiosis associated with infiltration of inflammatory cells, seen as small, bright cells intermingling with the honeycomb keratinocyte epithelial structure, were seen in lichen planus. Mildly bright, round structures interpreted as necrotic keratinocytes and mildly bright, stellate structures, interpreted as melanophages, were also seen in the dermis. These features were present on histopathology, confirming the diagnosis of lichen planus.

CONCLUSION

We propose that RCM is a useful tool to help distinguish between the three most common causes of desquamative gingivitis.

Oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, immune-mediated condition commonly affecting middle-aged women. The cause of OLP remains obscure. Strict clinical and histologic criteria need to be met to arrive at a definite diagnosis, thereby ruling out other conditions that may mimic OLP clinically and/or histologically. Although OLP is considered a premalignant condition, the risk for neoplastic change seems low.

Application of a motivation-behavioral skills protocol in gingival lichen planus: a short-term study

BACKGROUND

The main objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of a motivation–behavioral skills protocol for plaque control in patients with gingival lichen planus.

METHODS

A pre- and post-test descriptive clinical study was made of 40 consecutive white patients with gingival lichen planus: five males (12.5%) and 35 females (87.5%); mean age: 57 years. A motivation–behavioral skills protocol for oral hygiene was applied, with the determination of gingival scores (gingival index, plaque extension, and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs [CPITN]) and patient evaluation after 4 and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

The clinical parameters in relation to the different forms of gingival lichen planus showed statistically significant improvements for gingival index, plaque extension, and CPITN (P <0.001) as determined 4 and 8 weeks after starting the program.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of an active prevention program in patients with gingival lichen planus is important because it offers benefits for periodontal health. However, more long-term studies are needed to confirm the results obtained.

Desquamative gingivitis as a manifestation of chronic mucocutaneous disease

Desquamative gingivitis (DG) is a clinical descriptive term indicating "peeling gums". DG is usually the result of a disease process that causes separation of the epithelium from the underlying connective tissue in the oral masticatory mucosa. DG may be a manifestation of several mucocutaneous diseases, most commonly cicatricial pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris and lichen planus. Correct diagnosis of the underlying disease in DG patients requires careful clinical observation, detailed examination of medical history, biopsy and histopathological examination of the lesions as well as more specialized tests such as direct and indirect immunofluorescence. Treatment of DG consists of treating the underlying disease and often requires the use of immunosuppressive agents, such as corticosteroids. Elimination of local gingival irritants, such as dental plaque and calculus, can significantly improve the treatment outcome.

Oral lichen planus and dental hygiene: a case report

BACKGROUND

The presence of atrophic-erosive lesions among gingival tissues makes oral hygiene procedures difficult for several reasons. Plaque control and rigorous oral hygiene are a fundamental requisite for the treatment of any oromucosal disease.

CASE REPORT

A patient suffering from a mixed atrophic-erosive form of oral lichen planus (OLP), with serious gingival involvement, was also treated with the topical application of clobetasol propionate 0.05% using gingival trays. The highest hygiene standards of both patient and trays were of fundamental importance.

DISCUSSION

The management of the patient suffering from gingival atrophic-erosive OLP requires the synergic treatment of both dentist and dental hygienist, whose contribution supports the corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive treatment.