Denture Care 

Purpose: 

To keep the resident’s mouth clean, comfortable, and healthy. 

Equipment: 

• Tissues 

• Mouthwash 

• Denture cup 

• Toothbrush or denture brush 

• Towel 

• Denture toothpaste 

• Gloves 

Procedure: 

1. Preparation: 

• Denture and oral care will be provided at least twice daily. 

• Spread a towel across the resident’s chest to protect the gown and top sheets. 

2. Removing Dentures: 

• Ask the resident to remove their dentures. Assist residents who cannot remove their own dentures by gently pushing to break the suction. 

3. Cleaning Dentures: 

• Take the dentures to the sink in the denture cup. 

• Hold the dentures securely in the basin. 

• Apply toothpaste or denture cleanser. With the dentures in the palm of your hand, brush them thoroughly, especially the tissue side of the denture. 

• Rinse the dentures thoroughly under cool running water. 

4. Storing Dentures: 

• Fill the clean denture cup with cool water and place the dentures in the cup. 

• Help the resident rinse their mouth with a mouthwash and water solution. 

• Have the resident replace the dentures unless it is nighttime, in which case the dentures should be placed in the cup overnight with water. 

• Leave the labeled denture cup with the clean solution where the resident can easily reach it. 

5. Post-Care: 

• Clean all equipment and put it in the proper place. 

• Discard disposable equipment in the proper container. 

6. Observation and Reporting: 

• Record and report any unusual observations such as: 

• Sores in the mouth 

• Bleeding 

• Dry coated tongue 

• Bad mouth odor 

• Cracked, chipped, or broken dentures 

Compliance and Documentation: 

• Adhere to CMS guidelines and Requirements of Participation for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• Document the denture care procedure, including the resident’s response and any observations, in their medical record. 

• Note any abnormalities or difficulties encountered during the procedure. 

• Regularly review and update techniques for denture care according to the latest clinical best practices and regulatory standards. 

• Provide training to staff on proper denture care procedures to ensure resident safety and comfort. 

• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with this policy and address any gaps in practice or documentation. 

References: 

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). State Operations Manual (SOM), Appendix PP - Guidance to Surveyors for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• CMS Requirements of Participation for Nursing Homes.