Post covid-19 fungal infection and its impact on orthodontic practice: A review

Abstract

As COVID-19 cases are reducing worldwide, the patients recovered from this disease are showing some complications include impact on lungs, kidneys, heart, and cases of a black fungal infection, called mucormycosis. There are a variety of bacterial and fungal co-infections which is associated with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and other immune impaired condition. The COVID-19 exhibits, a specific pathophysiological feature, which will result in secondary fungal infections. The recent COVID-19 wave showed that many children and young people are testing positive for this disease. There is high chance for some of them can come across an orthodontic clinic. Oral mucormycosis is normally developed from the breathing of spores or through an open contaminated oral wound, affecting mainly immunocompromised patients. Oral mucormycosis is reported in some patient, following tooth extraction. The fungal spore can reach the body when there is a loss of anatomical continuity as can occur after a tooth extraction or in an ulcer. Chance for Post COVID-19 Mucormycosis in orthodontic patients are very rare. However, Orthodontist should take care when doing minor surgical procedure in the patient recovered from severe COVID-19 infection. Orthodontic appliances can increase the number of bacteria and fungus by limiting oral hygiene. Orthodontist should advise patients to the importance of maintaining basic oral hygiene measures, which include simple things like changing the toothbrush once they test negative, oral rinsing and brushing.