How Dentures Can Impact Your Sense of Taste

Food has become a huge part of our culture—everyone loves to eat! But unfortunately, our taste buds tend to dull as we age, which inhibits our ability to taste food to the fullest. And what’s worse is that this can be exacerbated by wearing dentures! Here’s more from your trusted dentist about the link between dentures and your sense of taste, along with some useful tips for minimizing the impact your restoration has when it comes to enjoying all of your favorites!

The Link Between Dentures and Taste

Although dentures are an excellent option for replacing lost teeth, it comes at the cost of sometimes affecting one’s sense of taste. This is because dentures often cover the upper palate, which plays a vital role in your ability to taste and smell things—though this varies from person to person. It’s also possible for residual food particles and bacteria to build up on the surfaces of dentures if they aren’t cleaned often enough, leaving behind a vile aftertaste that also interferes with how you taste foods. Patients who overuse denture adhesive can also experience an altered sense of taste.

Minimizing the Impact of Your Dentures

You don’t have to decline getting dentures if you’re worried about an inhibited sense of taste. There are several measures you can take to minimize their impact and continue enjoying all of your favorite foods:

1. Keep Your Dentures Sparkling Clean

Much like how sanitary dentures are less likely to lead to oral health issues, clean dentures are far less likely to impact your sense of taste. You can keep your dentures clean by brushing and soaking them as needed, as well as being considerate of how much denture cream/adhesive you’re using.

2. Ensure Your Dentures Fit Properly

Your dentures can become ill-fitting from time to time, which warrants the need for regular trips to your dentist. These adjustments are important for several reasons, as ill-fitting dentures can cause all sorts of problems beyond an impacted sense of taste, including the inability to chew your food and absorb all of the necessary nutrients.

3. Consider Upgrading to Implant-Retained Dentures

You might also consider upgrading your dentures with dental implants—this solution is referred to as “implant-retained” dentures, and it provides your restoration with an incredible amount of support thanks to the ingenuity of the implants.

About the Author

Dr. Sweeta Walia received her DMD from the Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine and Has proudly served patients and families in the Keller, Texas community for several years. Her practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of restorative dental treatments including dentures for those who are trying to rebuild their smiles. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit to see if dentures are a viable solution for your smile, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (817) 952-8100.