How to Protect Dentures During a Hospital Stay – Tips for Families in Birmingham
Dentures are easy to misplace in hospitals, and once they’re lost, replacing them can be stressful and costly. Families often ask how they can prevent this from happening when a loved one is admitted. Here are practical tips to help keep dentures safe during hospital stays in Birmingham, plus advice on what to do if they are lost.
Why dentures get lost in hospital
- Dentures wrapped in tissues and accidentally thrown away
- Lost during cleaning or food tray collection
- Misplaced during ward transfers or laundry changes
- Residents with memory issues removing them and forgetting where they’re placed
Family checklist to keep dentures safe
- Provide a labelled denture box: never leave dentures wrapped in tissues
- Mark dentures: ask your dentist about ID labelling to prevent mix-ups
- Notify staff: let ward teams know your loved one wears dentures
- Encourage nightly storage: dentures should be kept in a container, not left on trays or bedding
- Check belongings: before transfers or laundry, confirm dentures are safe
What to do if dentures are lost
- Inform ward staff immediately so a search can begin
- Check belongings, bedside tables, and laundry bags
- Ask about hospital policy on lost dentures — hospitals are often responsible for replacements
- Contact us for urgent help: we can take impressions and make new dentures at the bedside
👉 Learn more about our Lost Dentures in Birmingham Hospitals service.
FAQs – Protecting Dentures in Hospital
Can dentures be labelled?
Yes, dentures can be permanently marked with an ID to reduce the risk of loss.
Do hospitals replace lost dentures?
In most cases, yes. Hospitals are often liable for replacement if dentures are lost during admission.
How long does it take to make new dentures?
Emergency dentures can often be produced within days, depending on lab capacity.