Desquamative gingivitis is an erythematous (red), desquamatous (shedding) and ulcerated appearance of the gums.

Unlike plaque-induced inflammation of the gums (normal marginal gingivitis), desquamative gingivitis extends beyond the marginal gingiva, involving the full width of the gingiva and sometimes the alveolar mucosa.

[3] The term "full width gingivitis" usually refers to the oral lesions of orofacial granulomatosis however.

Erosive lichen planus, mucous membrane pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, erythema exsudativum multiforme and lupus erythematosus.

[1] Rare causes include: This condition was first recognized and reported in 1894, but the term desquamative gingivitis was not coined until 1932.