Denture care in assisted living: Best practices and clinical importance for resident health

Oral health is a critical yet frequently underrecognized component of care in assisted living. Among residents, complete edentulism affects approximately one third, while partial edentulism remains highly prevalent, both conditions requiring the use of dentures for functional and nutritional support. Insufficient denture hygiene has been associated with significant adverse outcomes, including denture-related stomatitis, systemic fungal infections, malnutrition, and aspiration pneumonia, the latter representing a leading cause of mortality in older adults. This article examines the clinical implications of denture management in long-term care settings, highlighting barriers to consistent denture removal, the microbial risks of continuous wear, and the nutritional consequences of poor denture fit. Evidence-based best practices are presented for denture removal, cleaning, storage, and monitoring, with an emphasis on infection prevention and support for adequate nutrition. Strategies for integrating denture care into routine workflows and for engaging both staff and families are also discussed. Recognition of denture care as an essential clinical priority may reduce preventable complications, improve resident health outcomes, and enhance quality of life in assisted living communities.