Abstract
The gingiva consists of an epithelial layer and an underlying connective tissue layer. The oral epithelium is a keratinized, stratified, squamous epithelium. The epithelium can be divided into the following cell layer: basal layer, prickle cell layer, granular cell layer and keratinized cell layer. The desquamative disease of gingiva means exfoliative diseases of epithelial layer on the gingiva. The chronic desqumative gingivitis is usually related to the dematologic disorders that produce cutaneous and mucous membrane blisters. The cicatricial pemphigoid and lichen planus are representative diseases of the dermatologic cases. Patients may be asymptomatic or symptomatic. When symptomatic, their complaints range from a mild burning sentation to an severe pain. The clinical examination must be considered with a thorough history, and routine histologic and immunofluorescence studies. A systemic approach needs to achieve accurate diagnosis and treatment of the gingival desquamative diseases.
