What is mucormycosis? Why is it important to know about black fungus…. what makes it a more dreadful disease … should we not give a thought why wasn’t it heard ever in the past despite patients existing with an immunocompromised condition, a question we all need to understand and know facts about it.
Everyone knows that its fungal infection caused by Mucormycetes despite 1,44,000 species of fungus that exist only a few are pathogenic to humankind the rest plays important role in degrading organic matter and helping to maintain the ecosystem
balance.
Why didn’t we ever heard about this condition previously that is because the human body has a very good immune mechanism to fight any sort of infection and can eliminate any kind of fungal infection unless the immunity is not hampered else fungal infection can be lethal and we all know about its consequences after seeing a daily episode in covid patients?
Patients susceptible to mucormycosis:
- Patients who are diabetic
- Patients on steroids
- Blood malignancies
- Malnourished patients
- Patients with organ transfer as they are on immunosuppressants
- And most recently Covid -19 patients
All these conditions are associated with alteration in the immune system and henceforth are at high risk to get affected. Mucormycosis is also known as zygomycosis (Rhino-orbital-cerebral-mucormycosis) affecting most of the maxilla, orbit, and brain causing tissue necrosis and death due to invasion of the blood vessel.
Most of the symptoms are more often seen inside the oral cavity and face, where they appear as black lesion spreading vigorously to the nasal cavity, sinus invading maxillary bone, nasal cavity, hard palate and once it reaches the orbit patients may show clinical features like swelling below eyes, severe pain, no eye movement…inside oral cavity the teeth becomes increasingly mobile, sometimes multiple lesion patches can be seen all along the upper jaw henceforth dentist are again the best to diagnose Mucormycosis.
Symptoms to lookout?
Persistent headache can be the earliest symptoms as fungus usually starts affecting the sinus initially
One-sided swelling below the eyes or on half of the face is another common symptom
- Facial discoloration
- Nasal blockage
- Tooth loosening
All these symptoms are related to the orofacial region and henceforth we dentist are the best person to diagnose it henceforth if any symptoms persist visit us at Pathak Dental Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Mucormycosis (Black Fungus)?
Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a rare but serious fungal infection caused by Mucormycetes. It commonly affects individuals with weak immune systems, such as those with diabetes, cancer, or those recovering from COVID-19.
2. How is Mucormycosis related to dental health?
The infection often starts in the nasal passages and sinuses and can spread to the upper jaw and oral cavity. Common dental symptoms include loose teeth, black patches on the palate, jaw pain, and facial swelling — which dentists can detect early during examination.
3. What are the early symptoms of Mucormycosis?
Early signs include persistent headache, nasal congestion, one-sided facial swelling, tooth loosening, facial discoloration, and black lesions in the mouth or palate. If you notice these symptoms, consult a dentist or ENT specialist immediately.
4. Who is at high risk of developing Mucormycosis?
People with uncontrolled diabetes, those taking steroids, COVID-19 survivors, organ transplant patients, and individuals with low immunity or malnutrition are more prone to black fungus infection.
5. How is Mucormycosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is done through a combination of clinical examination, CT or MRI scans, and biopsy tests to confirm fungal invasion in affected tissues. Dentists often identify the infection early through oral and facial symptoms.
6. What is the dental treatment for Mucormycosis?
Treatment involves removal of infected tissue, antifungal medication (like Amphotericin B), and in some cases surgical debridement of affected jaw or sinus areas. At Pathak Dental Clinic, early diagnosis and prompt referral to specialists can help save both life and facial function.
7. Can Mucormycosis be prevented?
Yes. Controlling blood sugar levels, avoiding unnecessary steroid use, maintaining oral hygiene, and seeking immediate dental consultation after facial or oral discomfort can reduce the risk significantly.
8. Why choose Pathak Dental Clinic for early detection of Mucormycosis in Pune?
At Pathak Dental Clinic, Chinchwad, our team is trained to identify early oral and maxillofacial signs of black fungus. With advanced diagnostic tools and professional expertise, we ensure timely detection and guidance for further treatment to prevent complications.
Address: 11/11 Akurdi Chikhli Road, Near Dwarka Collection, Kasturi market,
Sambhaji Nagar, Thermax Chowk, Below Nutan Jewellers, Chinchwad, Pune,
Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra 411019
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Call: +91 9762126132
