Demystifying post covid rhino-maxillary mucormycosis for general dentists

Mucormycosis, caused by saprophytic fungi is a rare opportunistic fungal infection, which has a rapidly progressive and fulminant course with fatal outcome. The most common form of mucormycosis is rhino-cerebral and is usually seen in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or in immunocompromised patients. Recently it has been linked with the COVID 19 infection and the rapidly rising cases are alarming. It’s the need of the hour to diagnose and treat the increasing cases urgently. This article deals with a clinical workflow for general dentists dealing with patients of mucormycosis. The aim of this article is to draw attention to the clinical presentation and pathogenesis of mucormycosis and to highlight the need for high degree of suspicion in its diagnosis and management.