Post Covid dental complication: MUCORMYCOSIS of the jaws

India and all other countries worldwide are now in the battle against the global pandemic.Covid-19 brings fear and anxiety among people not only because of the severity of viral infection in the respiratory system and the treatment cost, but also the numerous post Covid conditions and consequences. Amongst the various post Covid complications Mucormycosis of the jaws  is one such lethal one emerging in patients recovering from Covid 19.

 

What is Mucormycosis?

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by the mucormycete mould. This fungus is extensively found in the soil, leaves, decayed woods, and putrefied manure. Unlike other fungal disease these happens rarely in humans. If the person comes in direct contact with the mould it invades the tissues causing severe infection. The fungus enters through the nasal passage or sinuses by breathing in the spores or through the cuts, tears, and wound in the skin. It affects mostly the immunocompromised patients such as people with diabetes, immunosuppression post organ transplant, end stage kidney disease, HIV-AIDS, neutropenia, post mycobacterial infections, burns etc.

 

Why does Mucormycosis occur in Covid patients?

Lots of Covid patients who are having underlying systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus hypertension receive systemic steroids during treatment that attacks the immune system leading to increased chances of opportunistic fungal infection. In such conditions, sometimes these kind of opportunistic infection can spread through blood in later stage can be life threatening.

Signs and symptoms

Common head and neck signs and symptoms include:

 Swollen gums
 Mobility of the teeth
 Ulcers in the mouth
 Pus discharge from the teeth
 Severe Headache
 Pain in the teeth without any underlying cause ( decay or gum infection)
 Swelling of face (either on one side of the face or on both sides )
 Skin lesions near the eye and cheeks.
 Swelling of the eyes
 Loss of vision
 Proptosis (bulging out of the eye)
 Paralytic Squint in the eye
 Necrosis of the skin
 Discharge from the eyes
 Discharge from the nose

 

Other symptoms include

 Persistent coughing
 Difficulty in breathing
 Unbearable discomfort on one side of the abdomen
 Stomach aches
 Nausea and vomiting

Mucormycosis is a life threatening condition when not found in early stages and treated. So it is very important for both doctors and people to be aware of such conditions and not to take things lightly. People with systemic conditions like diabetes mellitus who are affected by Covid-19 and recovering should be monitored for the above mentioned signs and symptoms.

Care to avoid infection.
Regular check up with dentist.
Maintain your blood sugar, level within normal limits.
Use of mouthwash regularly.
Check for abnormal swelling/ pus discharge in the gums.
Abnormal sensation in the teeth.