Denture Care. August 08

Transcription

1 Denture Care August 08

2 Halton Region Health Department Mission Statement Together with the Halton community, the Health Department works to achieve the best possible health for all. 2

3 Types of Dentures Complete dentures Partial dentures 3

4 Plaque, Tartar, and Stain on Dentures Dental Plaque Stain Tartar 4

5 Unclean Dentures Can: Create an infection in the mouth Be associated with pneumonias Create halitosis (smells ) Further compromise general health because of bacterial accumulation 5

6 Removing a Complete Upper Denture 6

7 Removing a Partial Denture 7

8 Denture Brushes/ Denture Boxes Brushes Should have pointed side Should be discarded or sterilized following illness or infection Replaced when frayed or dirty Boxes Cleaned weekly Sterilized following illness or infection or replace 8

9 Tips for Proper Denture Care Clean dentures daily Clean hard deposits on plastic dentures by using vinegar and water (1/2 cup vinegar and ½ cup water ) daily or monthly Use commercial denture cleaners with caution Store denture in a denture cup when not in the mouth use clean room temperature water Remove dentures daily for at least 3 hours, overnight is best 9

10 Scrubbing a Denture Place paper towel or wash cloth in sink to prevent breakage if dropped Clean under cool water to prevent warping Scrub all areas with denture brush 10

11 Partial Denture Cautions Do not soak in: Bleach Vinegar and water Denture cleaners that are not made for partial dentures 11

12 Implants Stabilize dentures Can replace missing teeth 12

13 Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) The tongue may appear glossy, and person will say their mouth is dry. Caused by: Medications Genetic disorder Mouth breathing Treatment: Use a saliva substitute Drinking extra water Suck on ice chips Chew sugarless gum 13

14 Denture Stomatitis Generalized redness in the upper palate Caused by: Dentures not being cleaned properly and/or remaining in the mouth too long A fungal or bacterial infection Treatment: Eased by using an anti-fungal agent or antibacterial agent (ordered by dentist or physician) Scrub dentures daily - then soak dentures daily in a solution of ½ water to ½ vinegar. 14

15 Angular Cheilosis Red inflamed sores at the corners of the mouth Caused by: A fungal or bacterial infection most often associated with denture stomatitis. It can also be an indication of a vitamin B deficiency Treatment: Use an antifungal agent or antibacterial agent Have dentures that are clean and fit well 15

16 Candida Infection (Thrush/Yeast) Candida looks like creamy white patches or small red dots that can be painful or have a burning sensation Caused by: A weak immune system Taking antibiotics for a long time Leaving dentures in the mouth for a long time Certain medications / Dry mouth Treatment Antifungal agent prescribed by doctor or dentist 16

17 NOTE : Candida Infection (cont d) (Thrush/Yeast) Use a new toothbrush when starting and stopping anti-fungal treatment Disinfect denture box and brush or replace. Soak dentures in solution of ½ vinegar and ½ room temperature water daily 17

18 Sore/Dry Lip Care Lip tissues are flaking and rough, most often in winter months Caused by: Dehydration of the lips Blockage of the pores Eased by: Using water based lip balms NOTE: Avoid petroleum based products as they dry and block pores Petroleum based products sometimes can promote infection 18

19 Denture Palliative Care Keep dentures clean Mouth tissues of a palliative care individual may be too sore to keep dentures in mouth ( follow palliative care mouth care guidelines) Dry mouth product (Mucco, Biotene, KY gel) can be placed under dentures for comfort Weight loss can result in a loose denture, which can then become a swallowing risk or cause sores 19

20 Broken or Loose Dentures Broken dentures should be repaired Dentures that are loose should be professionally relined Do not place loose fitting dentures in a client s mouth Dentures that do not fit properly may be a swallowing risk and can cause choking or create sores 20

21 Denture Adhesives If dentures fit well, an individual should not have to use a denture adhesive the only exceptions are when the lower ridge ( bone of the mandible) is extensively worn away Denture adhesives should be used as temporary help to hold a denture in place Dentures should be professionally relined by a denturist or dentist 21

22 Commercial Denture Cleaners Should be used with caution with individuals with dementia: Tablets can accidentally be eaten and make a person sick Liquid from dissolved tablets can be dangerous if swallowed it can make a person sick Best not to use in high risk home/hospital/long Term Care Home 22

23 Labeling a Denture Any individual that is in a long term care home, complex nursing floor /extended stay rehab floor or hospice should have their dentures labeled A denturist or dentists can put a name on dentures permanently Kits are available to label dentures similar to a clothing labeler (not permanent) 23

24 For more information call Halton Region Toll free: HALTON ( ) TTY