Manual of Policies and Procedures for Wade Nursing Registry

Caring for Dentures

Material needed:

Procedure:

  1. Explain what you are going to do
  2. Wash your hands
  3. Obtain material listed above
  4. Provide privacy (close door, pull curtains)
  5. Spread paper towel on work area. Arrange supplies on paper towel if procedure will be done at bedside. Otherwise, take supplies for cleaning dentures to the sink
  6. Raise bed to convenient working height. Lower rail on side where you are working
  7. Assist client to an upright position or turn on side, if unable to sit up
  8. Put on gloves
  9. Ask client to remove dentures and place in emesis basin. If you must remove dentures, grasp them with gauze or a tissue ( wet dentures are slippery and difficult to handle ). Remove in this manner:
    1. Upper dentures: grasp between thumb and index finger and move up and down gently until you feel the suction release. Pull down and remove
    2. Lower dentures: grasp in the same manner and gently twist sideways and up, lifting them out of the mouth.
  10. Assist client to brush dentures. At bedside, client uses water in cup, toothbrush, paste, etc. At sink, same material are used.
  11. Aide cleans dentures at sink:
    1. partially fill sink with warm water to act as a cushion, should dentures be accidentally dropped
    2. brush with warm water and toothpaste in an up and dwon motion. Rinse thoroughly
  12. Remove dentures to the client for replacement in the mouth or store in denture cup, dry or in sloution, according to client's wishes
  13. Remove and discard gloves
  14. Make sure client is safe and comfortable
  15. Place bed in lowest position ( raise side rails as needed )
  16. Clean equipment and store in proper location
  17. Wipe work surface with paper towel and discard
  18. Wash your hands
  19. Record what you have done, time complete, and report any unusual conditions