Oral hygiene must to prevent black fungus, say experts

Amritsar, July 20

The Asian Society of Oral an Maxillofacial Pathology (ASOMP) organised a webinar titled ‘COVID-19 and Oral & Systemic Mycoses’ for creating awareness regarding different types of fungal infections spread by the virus.

Eminent scholar and clinical expert Prof Lakhsman Samaranayake, the foremost authority on oral fungal infections, was a keynote speaker. Dr Simarpreet Sandhu, general secretary of ASOMP, along with Dr Ranganath K, chief, ASOMP, moderated the session.

Over 300 doctors across different countries, including Argentina, Indonesia, the UK and others attended the webinar. The lecture highlighted on the possibility of outbreaks of severe fungal infections in the healthcare facilities managing patients. The doctors opined that symptoms of mucormycosis or black fungus can range from bad breath to loose teeth. It’s necessary that doctors advise patients, who have recovered from Covid-19, to go for regular oral check-ups.

Dr Samaranayake said more has to be done for those patients who have diabetes. He stressed on the importance of personal and oral hygiene for prevention of mucormycosis or black fungus infection. — TNS