Carer Resource

Denture & Oral Care – Carer Checklist

For people living with dementia

Patient

Date

Carer

Location

DAILY ORAL CARE CHECK

Dentures

Dentures removed safely

Rinsed and brushed today

No visible food or plaque

No hard yellow or brown buildup

No strong or unusual smell

Dentures returned to mouth or stored safely

Mouth and Gums

Gums pink and healthy

No redness or shiny tissue

No ulcers or bleeding

No white patches

Patient comfortable wearing dentures

Night-Time Care

(if dentures are removed)

Dentures placed in labelled denture cup

Covered with water or soaking solution

Denture cup stored safely

Dentures not wrapped in tissue

Red Flags – Act Early

Tick any that apply

Dentures suddenly not worn

Pain, distress, or refusal

Red, sore, or shiny tissue under denture

White patches on gums or palate

Persistent bad smell

Hard deposits that do not brush off

Report and arrange oral or denture review.

When to Call a Dentist

Tick any that apply

Toothache keeping up at night

Loose / moving natural teeth

Missing tooth not on denture

Contact a dentist promptly if any of the above apply.

When Home Cleaning Is Not Enough

Professional denture cleaning or review is needed if:

Hard buildup (calculus) is present

Dentures remain dirty despite daily cleaning

Odour returns quickly

Dentures are rough, damaged, or loose

✗ Do not scrape dentures.

✗ Do not use bleach or toothpaste on dentures.

Tip: Print this checklist to use at the bedside. Tick items as you complete them during your carer routine.