title: Oral mucormycosis in an 18-month-old child: a rare case report with a literature review.
abstract: Oral mucormycosis is a fungal infection observed mainly in elderly immunocompromised patients. In rare instances, the disease occurs in healthy individuals and those patients that are below preschool age. Although this condition mainly involves the maxilla, it may also manifest in any part of the oral cavity based on the source of infection. Mucormycosis of the maxilla spreads rapidly, leading to necrosis of the palatal bone and palatal perforation. Such patients are usually rehabilitated using bone grafting or free flap surgeries. However, when surgeries are delayed, palatal prosthesis is an interim treatment modality that can prevent nasal regurgitation and aspiration of food or fluids. Palatal prostheses also help with mastication, speech, and swallowing. The present case describes a rare case of oral mucormycosis in an 18-month-old male involving the maxilla that was managed by palatal prosthesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontic & Preventive Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Nagpur, India.
authors.forename: Ritesh Rambharos
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-7403-3364
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Kalaskar
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Diagnosis Medicine & Radiology, VSPM Dental College & Research Centre, Nagpur, India.
authors.forename: Ashita Ritesh
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-1415-5033
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Kalaskar
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Government Dental College & Hospital, Nagpur, India.
authors.forename: Sindhu
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-1913-4079
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ganvir
keywords: Immunocompromised; Maxilla; Mucormycosis; Oronasal fistula; Palatal obturator