Role of Nurses in Enhancing Removable Dental Prostheses Hygiene

Abstract

Objective Nurses contribute significantly to the management and prevention of oral diseases by educating patients on correct removable dental prostheses (RDP) cleaning techniques. This article aimed to present the role of nurses in enhancing RDP hygiene and provide a practical guide for nurses. Materials and Methods A thorough literature search was done regarding the role of nurses in enhancing RDP hygiene and providing a practical guide for nurses in Google Scholar and PubMed from 1984 until 2024. All the English-language papers were included in this article. Publications included original research papers, review articles, and book chapters. The articles included were reviewed and added to this report. Results Good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing infections, enhancing patient comfort, and reducing health risks like pneumonia or gum disease that can result from inadequate RDP care. Hospitals and healthcare providers are encouraged to prioritize RDP care protocols, offering training and ensuring access to necessary cleaning supplies to support nurses in their care. Nurses have an important role in supporting proper care for patients using removable dentures. Conclusion Through best practices in RDP cleaning, correct storage, educating patients on how to care for their RDP, proper documentation, and follow-up, nurses can make a significant improvement in patient health outcomes.