Objective: Desquamative gingivitis (DG) represents the gingival manifestation associated with several mucocutaneous disorders and systemic conditions. Little is known of whether or not DG could influence the onset or progression of plaque-related periodontitis. In this study, the potential impact of DG on plaque-related attachment loss and pocket formation has been evaluated.
Methods: A cross-sectional evaluation of 12 patients with DG [eight oral lichen planus (OLP), four mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP)], never treated for DG lesions or plaque-related periodontitis, was carried out. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), full-mouth plaque (FMPS), and bleeding (FMBS) scores were evaluated at six sites per tooth. Clinical parameters of sites with DG lesions were compared with that of DG unaffected sites.
Results: Median PD and CAL, as well as FMPS and FMBS, were not significantly different (P > 0.05 Mann-Whitney test) for both OLP and MMP patients. However, a negative association between DG lesions and PD < 4 mm (OLP: OR = 0.26; MMP: OR = 0.47), and a positive association with PD 4-6 mm (OLP: OR = 3.76; MMP: OR = 2.68) and with PD > 6 mm (only for OLP: OR = 3.83) were found to be significant.
Conclusions: The potential interference between DG lesions and periodontitis needs further prospective investigation; nonetheless, a higher level of attention might be prudent.