We were recently asked by an ‘outstanding’ care home to help them with some best practice guidance on looking after dentures for their ladies and gents who wear them.
Oral health plays such a crucial role in the overall well-being and quality of life for people being supported in care homes. Denture care, in particular, is essential as it ensures the comfort, function, and hygiene of denture wearers.
In this blog we aim to outline best practices for denture care in care homes, providing valuable insights to caregivers and staff members.
Regular Oral Assessments:
A comprehensive oral assessment for each resident should be completed ideally pre-admission or upon admission to identify denture wearers. Their oral health the needs regularly reassessing to detect any changes or issues that may arise, such as ill-fitting dentures, oral sores, or signs of infection.
Individualised Care Plans:
Develop individualised care plans for residents with dentures. This should include their denture type, fit, cleaning routine, and any necessary adjustments or repairs. Consider the resident's abilities and preferences while formulating their plan.
Proper Denture Handling:
The correct way to handle dentures to prevent damage or breakage is to use a towel or basin of water to prevent accidental dropping and to ensure they’re stored safely.
Oral Hygiene:
Highlight the significance of oral hygiene for residents with dentures. Encourage staff to assist residents in brushing any remaining natural teeth, their gums, and tongue at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. This practice helps maintain oral health and prevents plaque build up.
Daily Denture Cleaning:
For the people who wear full, or partial dentures, daily hygiene is essential, as food debris and plaque can accumulate on dentures, harbouring harmful bacteria, yeasts and fungi which may lead to oral infections such as oral thrush and denture stomatitis
If a person is unable to do this for themselves, care staff should carry out denture cleaning. Dentures should be cleaned AT LEAST once daily and, ideally, after meals with a denture brush or toothbrush and fragrance free soap over a bowl filled with water.
NB: Brushing is more effective at removing plaque than soaking.
Denture Soaking:
If it’s necessary to soak dentures, use denture soaking solutions or tablets to assist in thorough cleaning and stain removal. Remind staff to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding soaking time and proper use of these products.
Use of Denture Adhesive:
If residents require denture adhesive, provide clear instructions on its appropriate usage. Educate staff on the recommended amount to apply and the potential risks associated with excessive adhesive use. Regularly assess the need for denture adhesive to ensure optimal comfort and fit.
Denture Storage:
It’s important that dentures are stored correctly when not in use. Where possible, they should be removed at night and stored dry, in a named denture pot to reduce the risk of stomatitis and aspirational pneumonia. Storing dentures in tissue or napkins is not advisable, as they can easily be mistaken for waste and discarded.
Regular Denture Inspections:
Advise staff to regularly inspect dentures for signs of damage or wear. Encourage them to report any cracks, chips, or loose fittings to the appropriate healthcare professional promptly. Timely repairs or adjustments can prevent discomfort and potential oral health problems.
Regular Dental Check-ups:
Facilitate regular dental check-ups for residents wearing dentures. Coordinate with dental professionals to arrange on-site visits or transportation to off-site dental clinics. Regular examinations can help identify any underlying oral health issues and ensure the continued well-being of denture wearers.
Challenges With Dentures
Loss of dentures is a major problem in care setting affecting peoples’ ability to eat, communicate, and their psychological wellbeing. Obtaining new dentures is expensive and inconvenient for patients.
Best Practice Tips:
An incident report form MUST be completed for every denture that is lost.
CQC now insist that care staff understand the importance of denture marking and how to arrange this for people, with their permission.
Check Out Our top denture care product solutions here:
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Pen torches or disposable pen torches are ideal to use when carrying out oral care, to help check regularly that the mouth is pink, clean and moist and that the oral environment hasn’t changed https://hcsuk.co.uk/product/re-usable-pen-torch/
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Mouthwash is the preferred solution to use if a person is adamant they want their dentures soaking overnight, as water alone can cause growth of a fungus which can cause infections. https://hcsuk.co.uk/product/oralieve-alcohol-free-mouth-rinse-1x-300ml/
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Denture cleaner; https://hcsuk.co.uk/product/steradent-denture-tablets-21225/
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A denture brush with a curved main head matches the shape of dentures for effective cleaning. https://hcsuk.co.uk/product/wisdom-denture-brush-qty-1/
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Named denture pot dispensers are holders for peoples’ dentures when not in use or when need cleaning. https://hcsuk.co.uk/product/disposable-denture-container-and-printed-lids-qty-1x100-each/
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Moisturising mouth gel mimics the action and feel of your own saliva and is particularly effective for use under dentures. https://hcsuk.co.uk/product/oralieve-moisturising-mouth-gel/
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Denture marking kits provide materials for care staff to identify a denture to a person, which is particularly useful in hospital and nursing and residential home environments where identification of dentures is necessary.
Image source: Canva
