Can Dentists Prevent Black Fungus in Post-COVID-19 Patients?

In the southeast India, post-COVID-19 black fungus is increasingly being reported in medically compromised individuals. Diabetes and systemic steroids in COVID-19 patients constitute the double-edged sword that results in post-COVID-19 fungal infections. Black fungus is a part of normal flora that thrives in an immunocompromised state, resulting in rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis. Majority of patients, suffering from black fungus, have uncontrolled diabetes and have undergone steroid therapy. Intra-oral signs are the earliest warning signs in black fungus and dentists should be on the lookout for these, so as to prevent the development of deadly infection. Comprehensive intra-oral signs are enlisted in this review for dentists that include tooth mobility and periodontal clinical attachment loss amongst others. Evidence-based preventive approaches are highlighted in this review to reduce morbidity and mortality, associated with black fungus. Regular dental check-ups are vital to prevent and diagnose early the secondary fungal infections in post-COVID-19 patients, reducing morbidity significantly.

Automated summary

In southeastern India, post-COVID-19 black fungus infections are increasing in medically compromised individuals, mainly due to immunocompromised state, diabetes, and steroid therapy. Dentists can play a crucial role in early detection and prevention of black fungus by observing intra-oral signs such as tooth mobility. Evidence-based preventive approaches highlighted in this review can help reduce morbidity and mortality associated with black fungus in post-COVID-19 patients. Regular dental check-ups are essential for preventing and early diagnosing secondary fungal infections in these patients, significantly reducing morbidity.