Dentures and dementia
The person you are caring for may have full
or partial dentures. Just like teeth, these also need to be brushed every day, twice a
day. Dentures should be left out of the mouth overnight to allow the soft tissues to breathe.
If a denture is left in, it can lead to denture stomatitis or thrush. When the dentures are
not in the mouth, they must be kept wet, ideally in a denture pot filled with fresh, clean
water or salt water. Dentures can be left in cleaning agents for the time specified
by the manufacturer, but this is not a suitable alternative to manual brushing. Ensure that
the dentures are well rinsed in clean water after removing them from the cleaning agent.
When you are brushing dentures, use a toothbrush or a denture brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste
or denture cream. Try to do this over a bowl of water or a sink half filled with water.
This way if you drop them, they will float as opposed to shattering. To remove a denture, slide your fingers along
the outside edge or cheek side of the denture, right the way to the back and push down firmly
on both sides to break the suction seal. This should make the denture lose, and you can
now remove it using your thumb and finger. If the person has a top and bottom denture,
remove the lower one first. If dentures become loose, you may want to use a fixative to give
confidence and aid comfort. When applying a fixative, use three pea-sized blobs on the
upper and two on the lower. Try to have the denture and mouth reasonably dry and put the
fixative on and hold in place for 10 seconds. Denture fixative can be tricky to remove.
Use running, cold water and a denture brush to remove the residue. If a denture is persistently
loose and the person is in a stable condition, then consult your dentist. When a new denture
is being made, ask your dentist to add the patient's name into the dentures acrylic in
case it gets misplaced. Loose dentures can pose a risk for someone with progressive dementia
and dysphasia problems.
Denture Care Guidelines for Caregivers
Importance of Denture Care
Proper care for dentures is crucial:
- Regular Cleaning: Dentures, like natural teeth, should be brushed twice daily.
- Remove Overnight: Remove dentures overnight to allow the gums to rest and prevent conditions like denture stomatitis or oral thrush.
- Storage: Keep dentures moist when not in use, ideally in a denture pot with water or salt water.
- Cleaning Agents: Use cleaning agents as directed by the manufacturer but supplement with manual brushing.
How to Clean Dentures
Effective techniques for cleaning dentures:
- Brushing: Use a toothbrush or denture brush with non-abrasive toothpaste or denture cream over a bowl of water.
- Removing Dentures: Gently slide fingers along the cheek side to break the seal and remove dentures carefully.
- Fixatives: Apply denture fixative sparingly for comfort, ensuring both dentures and mouth are dry.
Managing Loose Dentures
Addressing concerns with loose dentures:
- Consult a Dentist: If dentures are persistently loose, seek advice from a dentist, especially in stable conditions.
- Naming Dentures: Request the dentist to add the patient's name in the denture's acrylic to prevent misplacement.
Loose dentures can pose risks for individuals with advancing dementia and swallowing difficulties.
Recommended Products For You