5 Oral Signs of Black Fungus After Recovering from COVID-19
[M.D.S. (Ortho), Fellow ICOI]
Do you recognize any oral symptoms of Black Fungus after recovered from COVID-19?
The surge in the number of people recovering from COVID-19, relaxations in lockdown are indicating we have subdued the coronavirus second wave to a certain extent. It does not mean that we are free from further infections. We are not talking about the coronavirus third wave my friend, it’s about black fungus infection that became prevalent during the pandemic.
Healthcare Professionals observed that black fungus infection majorly happens in the COVID-19 recovered patients. You might aware of its common signs like blackish discoloration, nasal blockage. Furthermore, Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) exhibit some dental infections that are unveiled in this post.
Why do covid survivors develop black fungus?
Prior to seeing the dental effects of this fungal infection, let’s take a look into the link between the coronavirus and black fungus.
The disease spread by a microbe called “Saprophytic Fungus” is not new. It was identified in the 19th century itself. Mostly, this infection happens due to a weak immune system, uncontrolled diabetes, and excessive use of steroids.
People infected with coronavirus undergo consuming a broad spectrum of antibiotics, steroids, zinc supplements as a part of the treatment. At times, such unproportional intake of medications will trigger black fungus. So it is no surprise those people get a black fungal infection after recovered from COVID.
Oral Symptoms of Black fungus
1) Loose Teeth
If you notice loose teeth or teeth mobility beyond its actual physiological boundaries around the gingival area after recovered from corona infection, it will be a sign of black fungus in the jawbone.
When mucormycosis attacks our bone, the bone turns black and eventually dies. Then the infected bone should be extracted surgically. In simply, black fungus infection weakens the jawbone and is followed by loosening its support to teeth.
2) Pain in the jawbone
Black fungus is an aggressive infectious condition and it will spread over your body if it is not treated in time. Pain in the jawbone is a warning sign indicating the transmission of infection in the sinuses region.
We recommend you consult your doctor immediately when you have a toothache, painful sensation in the jawbone, and reddish eyes after recovered from covid 19 infections.
3) Gum Abscess
Gum abscess is one of the most noticeable signs of black fungus. In general, it happens when the infection happens in space between the teeth and the gums. This is followed by developing pus in the space and gums move away from the teeth causing gum recession.
4) Discoloration in Oral tissues
Discoloration in oral tissues is a serious problem you should concern without delay as it may occur with the accumulation of microbes especially after recovered from COVID-19.
If you see discoloration or color changes in regions around your mouth like lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, visit your doctor immediately.
5) Numbness in the mouth
Numbness in the mouth and cheeks is the main symptom indicating the spread of black fungus infection to the facial muscles. When muscles around the orofacial region get infected, it provokes an insensitivity to feel inside our mouth.
Bottom line
Black fungus is a destructive fungal infection that should be treated in time. Currently, it is found that covid survivors are getting infected with this infectious condition. As certain post covid complications mimic the symptoms of black fungus, many people neglect and become victims.
Keep in mind that if you or your loved ones who recover from acute covid-19 witness any atypical signs similar to the ones we described here, they may be the alert signals of black fungus.
