Pathology · single question
Desquamative gingivitis is MOST commonly associated with which group of conditions?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Autoimmune and mucocutaneous diseases
Desquamative gingivitis (DG) is not a specific diagnosis but a clinical presentation. It is most commonly associated with mucocutaneous and autoimmune diseases, particularly: mucous membrane pemphigoid (most common), pemphigus vulgaris, erosive lichen planus, linear IgA disease, and lupus. It presents as erythematous, erosive, fiery red gingiva predominantly in middle-aged to older females. Plaque plays a secondary (permissive) role.
- A. ✅ CORRECT – DG is most commonly caused by mucocutaneous diseases: mucous membrane pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, and erosive lichen planus.
- B. ❌ Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin C → scurvy, B12 → glossitis) do not cause desquamative gingivitis.
- C. ❌ Viral infections do not typically cause desquamative gingivitis; they cause vesiculoulcerative lesions (e.g., herpetic gingivostomatitis).
- D. ❌ Bacterial infections cause conventional periodontitis, not desquamative gingivitis.