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Desquamative gingivitis is a serious gum disease more common in middle-aged and older women. It causes inflammation, pain, and swelling, but can be treated with consistent hygiene practices and regular dental care. The cause is not well understood, but factors such as lichen planus and genetic conditions may be involved. Treatment involves proper oral hygiene, antibiotics, and corticosteroids.
Desquamative gingivitis is a potentially serious form of gum disease. Problems occur when the gum layers start to separate from each other, causing inflammation and creating space for bacteria to grow. The condition is more common in middle-aged and older women and often causes pain, tenderness and swelling that can make talking and eating difficult. Most cases of scaling gingivitis can be treated with consistent hygiene practices and regular care at a dentist’s office or clinic.
The exact cause of desquamative gingivitis is not well understood, but it appears that several factors may be involved. Unlike most forms of gingivitis, the scaling variety does not appear to be the result of particularly poor oral hygiene. Some people develop the problem despite brushing, flossing, and general oral care. An allergy-related condition called lichen planus can cause skin rashes, eye problems, and oral lesions on the gums that can develop into scaling gingivitis. Genetic and congenital conditions that affect the immune system also appear to precede gum problems in some individuals.
The first symptoms of desquamative gingivitis can include mild swelling and redness of the upper or lower gums. Over time, the swelling worsens and the gums begin to bleed after brushing. They can turn fiery red and very tender when the layers of tissue actually start to separate. A person may also notice small white spots appearing in the middle of the gums that flake off easily when scrubbed or brushed. Once the bacteria become buried in the gum tissue, constant pain, bad breath, and difficulty speaking and swallowing become the main symptoms.
In most cases, dentists can easily diagnose scaling gingivitis simply by examining the gums. Samples of mucus and gum tissue are occasionally collected to check for specific bacteria or fungi. Also, a dentist usually decides to take x-rays of the mouth to make sure that no abscesses or other problems have developed in the root of the teeth.
The mainstay of treatment for desquamative gingivitis is proper oral hygiene. Patients are instructed to brush, floss and rinse daily, as well as make a regular appointment for professional dental cleanings. When specific bacteria are discovered, topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed and taken for two to four weeks. If the swelling and inflammation are severe on examination, your dentist may decide to inject a corticosteroid directly into the gum wall. Corticosteroids temporarily block the immune system’s response to the bacteria, preventing further irritation.
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