Linear gingival erythema (LGE) is a

periodontal Periodontology or periodontics (from Ancient Greek , – 'around'; and , – 'tooth', genitive , ) is the specialty of dentistry that studies supporting structures of teeth, as well as diseases and conditions that affect them. The supporting ...

disorder diagnosed based on distinct clinical characteristics. It was originally thought that LGE was directly associated with

HIV The human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) are two species of ''Lentivirus'' (a subgroup of retrovirus) that infect humans. Over time, they cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which progressive failure of the immune ...

, and it was thus called HIV-associated gingivitis (HIV-G). Later research confirmed that LGE also occurs in HIV negative

immunocompromised Immunodeficiency, also known as immunocompromisation, is a state in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious diseases and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. Most cases are acquired ("secondary") due to extrinsic factors that a ...

patients, and it was thus renamed.''Oral Health Care for People with HIV Infection''. 2001: AIDS Institute, NY Department of Health, page 31-32.

Presentation

LGE is limited to the soft tissue of the periodontium, appearing as a red line 2–3 mm in width adjacent to the

free gingival margin The free gingival margin is the interface between the sulcular epithelium and the epithelium of the oral cavity. This interface exists at the most coronal point of the gingiva, otherwise known as the crest of the marginal gingiva. Because the s ...

. Unlike conventional periodontal disease, though, LGE is not significantly associated with increased levels of

dental plaque Dental plaque is a biofilm of microorganisms (mostly bacteria, but also fungi) that grows on surfaces within the mouth. It is a sticky colorless deposit at first, but when it forms tartar, it is often brown or pale yellow. It is commonly found be ...

. The

prevalence In epidemiology, prevalence is the proportion of a particular population found to be affected by a medical condition (typically a disease or a risk factor such as smoking or seatbelt use) at a specific time. It is derived by comparing the number o ...

of LGE remains unclearSwango P, Kleinman DV, Konzelman JL. "HIV and periodontal health: a study of military personnel with HIV." ''J Am Dent Assoc'' 1991;122:49-52. and there is no known treatment.

References

{{Periodontology Periodontal disorders