Covid-19 went onto mutate to the Sars-Cov-2 Virus and still continues to take novel forms, but this time along with the spread of a fungal disease called Mucormycosis, commonly known as Black Fungus.
Causes Of The Black Fungus Infection
The fungus is common with patients who have recently been treated for Covid-19 with the use of steroids or those who have been hospitalized for a longer period of time and were on ventilator or external oxygen support and had bad patient hygiene.
The infection was also said to be triggered by the intake of additional medication for prevailing medical conditions like diabetes, along with the ongoing Covid Treatment.
Patients who endure oxygen therapy in a ICU, shouldn't use humidifiers as it puts them at an increased risk of contracting the fungus due to disclosure to moisture. Also using sterilized water for oxygen therapy has been observed as a way of protecting the patient for the fungus.
The Black Fungus Infection is found to be deadly if left untreated.
The drugs used to treat and mitigate the effect of the covid-19 virus usually leaves the immune system weakened, which results in an elevated blood sugar level in diabetic and non-diabetic Covid patients, which is one of the main cause of the black fungus infection.
Following certain dental hygiene practices could go a long way in minimizing one's risk of contracting this fungal infection.
Symptoms Of The Black Fungus Infection
1. Discoloration of oral tissues, tongue and gums
2. Stuffy nose
3. Severe Pain
4. Swelling of the face
5. Heaviness below the eyes
6. Discomfort
7. Fever and Headache
Oral Hygiene Tips
Dentist all over the world have been recommending top three oral hygiene practices that would help prevent the entry of the fungus into the system of the recovered patient.
Oral hygiene is of utmost important especially given that upon Covid recovery, bacteria or fungus are present in the mouth as a result of constant administration of steroids or other medication that formed a part of the treatment.
These bacteria and fungus can find a passage through the mouth and lead to the brain or the lungs, thus causing sinusitis.
It is of utmost significance that one must follow good oral hygiene in general but mostly post-recovery from Covid.
Tip 1
Brushing 2-3 times a day along with frequent flossing could go a long way in ensuring a healthy oral system and strengthening the overall immunity.
Tip 2
Once the patient has tested negative, dentists recommend that they discard their old toothbrushes and replace them with new ones. Also, rinsing of the mouth should be done multiple times in a day.
Tip 3
It is advised that Covid recovered patients don't keep their brushes and tongue cleaners in the same container. They must regularly clean their brushes and tongue cleaners using an antiseptic cleaner.
A antiseptic mouth wash should also be used by the patient every time after brushing.
Written By - Pratthiksha Shree A
Edited By - Tushna Choksey
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