ORAL/ DENTURE CARE

Title of skill: Oral care

Advance preparation

To properly prepare the area for oral denture care, we need the following
equipment:

 Non-abrasive denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush which is used

to gently clean the dentures without causing any damage to the
surface.
 Denture cleaner or mild dish soap to remove stains, bacteria and
food particles from the dentures. It is important to use a cleaner
specifically designed for dentures or a gentle dish soap to avoid
damaging the denture material.
 Denture cup or bowl to hold water or a denture soaking solution
while the dentures are being cleaned or stored.
 Denture adhesive used to improve the fit and stability of the
dentures in the mouth. It is available in various forms such as
creams, powders or strips.
 Denture cleaning tablets or solution to deep clean and remove
stubborn stains from the dentures. They are added to water and the
dentures are soaked in the solution for the recommended time
specified on the packaging.
 Soft towel or washcloth to handle and dry the dentures after
cleaning them.
 Small mirror can be used to see the dentures during the cleaning
process, especially for hard to reach areas.

In oral denture care, it is important to follow health and safety precautions

to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent any potential issues. Some
common precautions taken in oral denture care include:

- before handling dentures or performing any oral care procedures, it

is important to wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water. This
helps prevent the transfer of bacteria or other pathogens to the
dentures or your mouth.
- handling dentures over a soft surface or a folded towel to prevent
damage in case they accidentally slip from the hands. Avoid using
excessive force or bending the dentures, as this can lead to
breakage or distortion.
- using cleaning materials that are specifically meant for denture
care. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals or regular
toothpaste, as they can damage the denture material and cause
scratches or abrasions.
- recommended cleaning techniques provided by the dentist or
denture manufacturer. Typically, this involves gently brushing the
 dentures with a non-abrasive denture brush or soft-bristled
toothbrush using a denture cleaner or mild dish soap. Rinse the
dentures thoroughly with water after cleaning.
- soaking dentures in a denture cleaning solution or using denture
cleaning tablets can help remove stubborn stains or bacteria.
Always follow the instructions on the product packaging and avoid
any prolonged soaking that can harm the denture material.

- for any remaining natural teeth or gums it is essential to maintain

proper oral hygiene for them as well. Brush and floss the remaining
teeth regularly and clean the gums using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- If using adhesive to make sure to use it according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Avoid using excessive amounts of
adhesive, as it can cause discomfort or interfere with proper denture
fit.

Identifying the needs of the client

When providing oral care for dentures, clients have specific needs that
should be considered, such as proper cleaning. Clients need to understand
the importance of regular cleaning for their dentures. This involves gently
brushing the dentures to remove food particles, stains, and bacteria. They
may also need guidance on using appropriate cleaning solutions or
denture cleaners, as well as the recommended frequency of cleaning. If
the client uses denture adhesive, they may require guidance on the
proper method of application. It is important to explain the correct amount
to use and how to evenly distribute it to ensure stability and comfort.
Clients should be educated on the correct technique for removing their
dentures. They need to understand how to handle them carefully to
prevent breakage or damage. Additionally, clients should be advised on
the appropriate storage method for their dentures, such as soaking them
in water or a denture cleaning solution overnight. Although clients may
have dentures, they still need to maintain good oral hygiene for their
gums, remaining natural teeth and any other oral tissues. This may
involve brushing their gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth with a soft-
bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and bacteria.

Implementation

Step-by-step instructions on how to effectively provide oral care for

dentures:
- gather the necessary equipment, use a non-abrasive denture brush
or soft-bristled toothbrush, denture cleaner or mild dish soap,
denture cup or bowl, denture adhesive (if needed), denture cleaning
tablets or solution, a soft towel or washcloth, and a small mirror.
- prepare the cleaning area and ensure there is access to clean
running water and well-lit area for the oral care procedure.
 - remove and rinse dentures carefully under running water to remove
any loose food particles.
- clean dentures by applying a small amount of denture cleaner or
mild dish soap to the denture brush or toothbrush. Gently brush all
surfaces of the dentures, including the teeth, gums, and any clasps
or metal attachments. Avoid using excessive force or harsh
abrasives.
- soak dentures (if needed), depending on the cleaning method
recommended by the denture manufacturer or dentist, you may
need to soak the dentures in a denture cleaning solution or use
denture cleaning tablets.
- rinse dentures thoroughly under running water to remove any
residual cleaning agents.

- clean the mouth, if the client has any remaining natural teeth or
gums, this helps maintain oral hygiene for the remaining oral
tissues.

When assisting clients in oral denture care, it is essential to promote their

independence and preserve their dignity throughout the process, through:

- communication and respect, treat them with dignity and respect

throughout the process.
- providing comprehensive education about oral denture care to the
client amd explain the importance of oral hygiene.
- encourage the client to actively participate in the oral care process
as much as possible, depending on their abilities, they can be
involved in tasks such as removing and rinsing their dentures,
brushing the dentures, or cleaning their mouth. This promotes a
sense of ownership and independence in their self-care routine.
- recognize that each client may have different abilities and
preferences when it comes to oral care. Adapt your approach to
their specific needs and abilities. For example, some clients may
require assistance with certain steps, while others may be capable
of performing the entire oral care routine independently.
- privacy and confidentiality throughout the process. Ensure the client
has a comfortable and private space to perform their oral care
routine. Respect their confidentiality by discussing their oral health
matters.
- patience and support during the process. Offer encouragement and
positive reinforcement as the client learns and adapts to their oral
care routine. Address any concerns or questions they may have with
empathy and understanding.

When working with clients and other team members involved in oral
denture care, effective communication is essential for ensuring
coordinated and quality care. Here's a few recommendations:

o clear and concise language that is easy to understand.

 o active listening by giving full attention to the client and other team
members.
o empathy and understanding when communicating with the client.
o open and honest communication, share relevant information,
discuss observations, and address concerns or challenges openly
and respectfully.
o documentation and record-keeping.

Observing changes in the client's condition during the procedure when

providing oral denture care is vitally important. Early detection to notice
any changes in the client's oral health or the condition of their dentures
early on. This can include signs of irritation, redness, swelling, or
discomfort. Identifying these changes promptly allows for timely
intervention and prevents the escalation of potential problems. By closely
monitoring the client's condition, we can identify issues that may arise
during the oral care procedure. For example bleeding, signs of infection, or
difficulty in removing or placing the dentures. Observing the fit of the
dentures during the procedure helps identify any changes in the way they
sit or function in the client's mouth. Loose-fitting dentures can lead to
discomfort, difficulty chewing, and potential injuries. Regular observation
allows for adjustments or refinements to be made to ensure a proper and
comfortable fit. Spot any signs of oral health issues beyond the dentures.
By being attentive and observant, we provide a sense of care and
professionalism to the client.

Evaluation & Conclusion

When providing oral denture care, it is important to follow correct report

writing measures to ensure accurate documentation. This means to follow
a structured and standardized format for the report writing.
Comprehensive and concise summary of the oral denture care provided,
including relevant details such as the date, time, and procedure
performed, any observations made and the client's response or any
concerns raised during the procedure. Document all relevant observations
made during the procedure. This applies to any changes in the client's oral
health, the condition of their dentures, or any other relevant findings.
Provide specific details in the report.
Prompt reporting ensures that the documentation is current and aids in
continuity of care.

Promoting positive attitudes in the care of older persons in a home or

residential facility is essential to ensure their well-being and overall
quality of life. Respect and dignity while the caregiver provides a tailored
care, where the individual's unique needs, desires, and abilities are
considered. Develop empathy and understanding towards the older
persons we look after. This involves trying to see situations from their
perspective and demonstrating compassion and patience. Encourage
open and effective communication between carer and client. Ongoing
training and education on topics related to aging, care techniques and
communication skills. This helps to ensure the knowledge and skills
needed are high-quality. Support older persons in maintaining their
independence and autonomy as much as possible.

Continuous learning and improvement are important in providing quality

oral denture care. Staying updated on best practices, techniques and new
developments can enhance the skills and ensure that the highest level of
care is provided to the client.