Oral care & dentures

Brush teeth twice daily with a soft brush, clean dentures over a towel or water-filled sink and store them in water overnight, and check the mouth while you work — bleeding gums, sores, or white patches are reportable.

1. 1Ask first, explain each step, and let the client do what they can — oral care is personal.
2. 2Natural teeth: soft brush at a 45° angle to the gums, twice daily; gently brush the tongue; floss if in the care plan.
3. 3Dentures: remove after meals as needed; clean over a folded towel or a sink with water (they break if dropped); use denture cleaner, not hot water (it warps them); store in labeled cup of cool water overnight.
4. 4Check the mouth: red or bleeding gums, mouth sores, white patches, cracked lips, bad odor, or complaints of mouth pain — report these.
5. 5For clients who need full assistance: sit them upright, use small amounts of water, never do oral care on an unresponsive client lying flat (aspiration risk).
6. 6Poor oral care leads to infections and eating problems — it's health care, not just grooming.