NH Oral Health Coalition

02/03/2026

Excellent column here

When Gov. Kelly Ayotte delivers her State of the State address on Feb. 5, Granite Staters will be listening closely for signs that state leaders understand what families, employers, and communities already know: Health care has become unaffordable and the runaway costs are slowing our economy.

01/25/2026

So proud of our colleagues at UNE. They set a priority on public health dentistry that provides access to the underserved. ❤️🦷❤️

UNE's expansive, holistic vision of a healthier world goes beyond physical well-being. It encompasses emotional and intellectual fulfillment — as well as economic opportunity — for individuals, prosperous and supportive communities, and cooperative environmental stewardship across the globe.

01/24/2026

01/16/2026

These continuing education modules enhance oral healthcare professionals’ ability to provide disability-competent care that is accessible to people with disabilities.

01/15/2026

01/14/2026

The New Hampshire Oral Health Coalition was pleased to partner with Revo Casino and Social House in Keene as part of Revo’s Charitable Gaming Program. During 2025, Revo contributed over $15,000,000 to more than 350 NH non-profits in support of their work.

Revo’s “Rebel With A Cause” program is committed to making a difference by helping local non-profits care for some of our state’s most vulnerable populations that depend on their services. Funds raised through this effort directly support our Coalition's work in promoting access to quality oral health care across the 603.

Thank You Revo, for your amazing support!

Left-Chris Dugan-NHOHC and Right-Cesar Sierra, General Manager-Revo Casino and Social House.

12/26/2025

If you can’t get where you need to go, it affects your job, your social life, and your independence.

Earlier this year, ABLE NH hosted a Transportation Lunch & Learn focused on non-medical transportation through Medicaid waivers. We talked about how people with disabilities in New Hampshire can use this service for everyday life, not just appointments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHfuFu6zP-0

This service can help pay for things like:
• Bus or rail passes
• Taxi or Uber rides
• Mileage reimbursement
• Transportation vouchers
• Learning how to use public transportation

It can be used for shopping, work, community events, visiting friends, and more. Medical appointments are not included, but many other trips are.

If you are on a Medicaid HCBS waiver, this option can be added at any time. You do not have to wait for your annual review. The first step is talking with your service coordinator and setting a goal that includes transportation.

12/22/2025

The face and mouth are among the most nerve-rich areas of the human body.
Most sensations from the teeth, gums, jaws, and facial skin travel through the trigeminal nerve directly to the brain.
Because this connection is so direct and powerful, pain signals from dental problems reach the brain quickly and intensely.
This explains why tooth pain can feel sharp, deep, and sometimes overwhelming compared to pain in other parts of the body.

12/19/2025

Did you know?

This is what an untreated cavity really looks like — from the inside.

The dark area at the top is advanced dental caries, where bacteria have destroyed the enamel and dentin. Beneath it lies the pulp chamber, rich in nerves and blood vessels — shown here inflamed and exposed.

Once decay reaches this depth, pain is no longer just “toothache.” It is nerve infection, inflammation, and a gateway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

At this stage, a simple filling is no longer enough. Treatment usually requires root canal therapy or extraction — both more complex, costly, and invasive than early care.

12/17/2025

Did you know?

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it no longer receives stimulation from chewing. As a result, the body begins to break down the unused bone — a process called bone resorption.

Research shows that up to 25% of the jawbone can be lost within the first year if a missing tooth is not replaced. This bone loss mainly affects the alveolar bone, which supports the teeth, and it progresses most rapidly during the first 6–12 months.

Over time, bone loss can lead to shifting teeth, bite problems, facial changes, and difficulty placing dental implants later. What starts as a single missing tooth can gradually affect overall oral health.

Replacing missing teeth early — especially with options that restore chewing forces — helps preserve jawbone strength, facial structure, and long-term dental health.