MUCORMICOSE: CONCEITOS E TÓPICOS IMPORTANTES PARA O CIRURGIÃO-DENTISTA

Mucormycosis is a serious, aggressive, and complex fungal infection caused by fungi of the genus Mucorales. Epidemiological data show a low global incidence and prevalence, affecting mostly immunocompromised patients. Its morbidity and mortality increase is due to the coexistence with other systemic pathologies, including COVID-19, which is responsible for the increased number of cases in the pandemic context. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the main oral and systemic manifestations of mucormycosis that involve and guide the participation of the dentist in the diagnostic process and therapeutic possibilities of the pathology. This literature review was developed from research conducted in different databases using specific search terms, considering works published between 2010 and 2025, available in full in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. Mucormycosis can manifest in rhino-orbito-cerebral forms (its most common form), pulmonary, gastrointestinal, cutaneous, renal, and disseminated forms. The initial signs of the pathology include persistent fever, facial pain, and oral manifestations such as: palatal ulcers, sudden tooth mobility, pain in the upper teeth, areas of bone exposure, and necrotic eschars. Therefore, in this scenario, the dentist is a fundamental professional in the multidisciplinary team for obtaining an early diagnosis and initiating the indicated therapy, impacting the reduction of patient morbidity and mortality.