<p>Personal Care And Support – Denture Care SECTION: 18.11 Strength of Evidence Level: 3 __RN__LPN/LVN__HHA</p><p>PURPOSE: To prevent bad breath, gum irritation and pyorrhea, etc.</p><p>CONSIDERATIONS: 1. Dentures, like natural teeth, should be cleansed at least once a day. 2. Soaking of dentures does not take the place of brushing.</p><p>EQUIPMENT: Denture brush Water or commercial mouthwash Toothpaste (optional) Denture cleaner (optional) Denture paste (optional) Bowl Cup Gloves</p><p>PROCEDURE: 1. Adhere to Standard Precautions. 2. Explain the procedure to the patient. Allow patient to remove dentures if able and place them in a denture cup. If not, gently remove dentures and place them in a cup. 3. Line sink with a paper towel or wash cloth. Fill the sink 1/2 full of water so that if dentures slip out of your hand, they will be cushioned if they fall. 4. Apply toothpaste or cleanser to the denture brush. Brush all surfaces inside and out with denture brush and toothpaste or denture cleaner. 5. After brushing, rinse dentures thoroughly under cool water. Dentures may be soaked in water or a commercial denture cleaner if desired. Read the directions on the bottle and prepare the solution according to manufacturers directions. 6. Have patient rinse his/her mouth with water and/or mouthwash. 7. Inspect mouth for irritation or sores. 8. If patient desires, apply a thin layer of denture paste (optional). Have the patient replace the dentures in their mouth. Be certain the dentures are moist before replacing them.</p><p>AFTER CARE: 1. Document in patient's record: a. Procedure, date and time. b. Condition of mouth. 2. Report any changes in patient's condition to supervisor.</p><p>REFERENCE: Leahy, W., Fuzy, J., & Graf, J.(1999). Providing home care: A textbook for home care aides. (3rd ed. ) Albuquerque, NM: Hartman Publishing, Inc.</p>