HUSKY HEALTH MEMBER FORUMS

The Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI) is hosting a forum for individuals enrolled in HUSKY Health to learn about their experience receiving dental services and ideas for improvements.

Events will be held in Hartford, Willimantic, New Haven, and Middletown. Pre-registration is required.

Participants will receive:

- A $50 gift card

- Free oral health supplies

- Meal service

- Oral health resources

- An opportunity to advocate 

Hartford, Saturday, September 14 

Hartford Public Library (Albany St. Branch)

1250 Albany Ave. noon-2pm

New Haven, Wednesday, September 18 

Ives Main Public Library, 133 Elm St. 5:30pm-7:30pm

Middletown, Wednesday, October 2

Free Center 5:30pm-7:30pm

Willimantic, Saturday, October 5 

Willimantic Public Library, 905 Main Street 5:30pm-7:30pm

HPV and ORAL HEALTH

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a very common virus that spreads from skin-to-skin contact. Almost everyone will have HPV at some point in their life. HPV usually has no symptoms, so most people with HPV don't know they have it.

Most cases of HPV go away on their own, but other cases can go on to cause cancer including cancer of the back of the tongue and throat. Let your dentist know if you have any of the following symptoms:



- Hoarseness or change of voice

- Sore throat that won't go away

- Earaches

- Swelling or lump in the neck

- Pain or difficulty swallowing

- Unexpected weight loss

- Sores or bumps in the mouth for over 2 weeks 



ORAL HEALTH FOR OLDER ADULTS

Taking care of your teeth and gums as you get older can prevent problems like toothaches, tooth decay (cavities), and tooth loss.

A healthy mouth also makes it easier for you to eat well and enjoy food. It's especially important to take care of your teeth and gums if you have a health condition like diabetes or heart disease — or if you're taking medicines that can cause oral health problems. Here are some steps to follow.

Source: US HHS

ORAL HEALTH FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES

People who have diabetes know the disease can harm the eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other important systems in the body.

Did you know diabetes can also cause problems in your mouth?

People with diabetes have a higher chance of having periodontal (gum) disease, an infection of the gum and bone that hold the teeth in place.

Source: NIH