An infection that has been quickly spreading among people post coronavirus recovery is Mucormycosis. It is a disease that commonly develops in people who have recently recovered from COVID-19, been on oxygen support for an extended time, or have uncontrolled sugar levels, or poor maintenance of critical equipment like an oxygen mask. Certain medications taken for treating coronavirus make the body immune-compromised and surges the blood sugar levels in both diabetics and non-diabetic COVID-19 patients, which is also said to be the main reason for fungus to multiply.
Mucormycetes are a group of microorganisms that reside in the environment, primarily in soil, dead leaves, piles, and waste, which cause the disease. It begins as a skin infection, residing in the air pockets of the forehead, nose, cheekbones, eyes, and teeth, before spreading to the lungs, eyes, and even the brain.
The primary symptoms of mucormycosis include discolouration of the oral cavities, tongue, and gums. Some of the other common symptoms include a stuffy nose, severe aches, swelling of the face, and heaviness in the eyes, fever, and headache. Viruses and fungus invade the body via the mouth, hence it is important to maintain good dental hygiene and detect early signs of mucormycosis, so that prompt medical care and treatment can be given to prevent its complications.
Dental Health And Mucormycosis
According to medical experts, there is a strong association between dental health and COVID-19 infection. When teeth, gums, and roof of the mouth are maintained well, the chance of getting inflicted with a virus is less likely to happen. Furthermore, if any wound after a tooth extraction is not maintained and good oral care is not practiced, then a person has a high risk of getting mucormycosis.
Dentists recommend patients to adhere simple dental hygiene regimen, which can lower their risk of contracting this rare, but fatal disease.
Dental Care To Prevent Fungal Infection
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Post recovery from coronavirus infection, regular use of steroids and medications can sometimes allow bacteria or fungus to retain in the sinuses, lungs, or brain, resulting in health issues. Brushing twice or thrice a day can help remarkably to lower your risk of catching any infection. You may be at high risk of developing cavities, bad breath, and gum disease if you don’t follow a proper dental hygiene regimen. Cavities and bad breath can be easily treated with over-the-counter medications advised by the dentists and maintaining proper oral care.
Flossing
Flossing is a regular part of your dental care routine. Food particles that get deposited between teeth and plaque can be cleared by flossing at night. It is more effective than brushing alone and prevents bad breath and gum disease. While flossing during the day is not advisable as it leaves space between your teeth where plaque and excess food particles get easily deposited.
Also Read: The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
Mouthwash
Rinsing is the next crucial step in your oral care regimen. Using antiseptic mouthwash not only enhances fresh breath, but also avert invading of harmful bacteria. Mouthwash is a simple and effective technique to maintain good dental hygiene. Aside from this, using mouthwash helps to reduce tooth decay, gum disease and make your mouth feel visibly clean.
Oral Rinsing
Dentists suggest patients recovered from COVID-19 to maintain their dental health in good condition. Patients are advised to change their toothbrush once they test negative to reduce the risk of reinfection and keep rinsing regularly.
Disinfecting Toothbrush and Tongue Cleaner
Doctors advise coronavirus infected patients or someone who has recovered from COVID, not to stock their brush in the same holder as other members in their family. As it may increase the risk of spreading the virus to others. Furthermore, it is recommended to clean the brush and tongue cleaner using an antiseptic or antibacterial mouthwash.
