When assisting with denture care, what should the CNA ensure about the denture cup?

Ensuring that the denture cup is labeled with the resident’s name is crucial for safety and proper care. This practice helps to avoid mix-ups between residents, particularly in settings like nursing homes or assisted living facilities where multiple individuals may require denture care. Having a clearly labeled cup ensures that the correct dentures are returned to the appropriate resident after cleaning, thus promoting hygiene and minimizing the risk of infection or discomfort.

While sterility may seem important, the primary concern is usually cleanliness rather than complete sterility in daily caregiving settings. Denture cups do not typically need to be disposable; many facilities use reusable cups that can be cleaned. Filling the cup with mouthwash is unnecessary, as the primary purpose of the cup is to hold the dentures safely and securely when not in use.