What is the first step in denture care?

The first step in denture care is to perform hand hygiene by covering all surfaces of the hands with hand sanitizer and rubbing until dry. This is crucial because maintaining proper hand hygiene prevents the transfer of harmful microorganisms to the dentures and the patient's mouth. It ensures that the caregiver is taking precautions to protect both themselves and the resident, as any bacteria or pathogens on the hands could be introduced into the mouth through contaminated dentures.

By emphasizing hand hygiene at the beginning of the procedure, it sets a standard for cleanliness that is essential in any healthcare routine, especially in settings where infection control is a priority. Other actions like removing the dentures or rinsing them may follow, but they should only be performed after ensuring that the caregiver's hands are clean.