Dentures are effective, long-lasting dental appliances that are commonly used to replace missing pearly whites, restore chewing function, and maintain facial structure. While they offer patients a natural appearance and various benefits, such as improving oral function, dentures can also unexpectedly impact how you experience the taste of food and drinks. Keep reading to explore the relationship between dentures and your sense of taste.
Dentures and Taste: How They’re Linked
Wondering how dentures impact your sense of taste? Interestingly, it’s not directly through the tongue but rather through your sense of smell. Your sense of smell plays a crucial role in how you perceive flavors, as it helps your brain identify different tastes. This connection is why food tastes different when you have a cold. Upper dentures cover the palate, potentially obstructing your nose’s ability to detect food flavors.
4 Ways to Minimize the Impact of Your Dentures
Thankfully, there are a range of steps that you can take to reduce how much wearing dentures impacts your sense of taste, such as:
- Keep them clean – Make sure to clean your dentures every night to remove any food particles that may have accumulated throughout the day. These particles can impact the smell and taste of your food.
- Make sure your dentures fit –Ill-fitting dentures can significantly reduce your sense of taste and cause other negative effects. It’s crucial to contact your dentist promptly to have them adjusted or replaced.
- Consider implant dentures – Instead of traditional removable dentures, consider implant dentures, which are anchored to dental implants in your jawbone for enhanced stability. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported ones do not cover your entire upper palate, minimizing the impact on your sense of smell and potentially enhancing your ability to taste food.
- Talk to your dentist – If you have concerns about how dentures might affect your sense of taste or if you have any questions, reach out to your dentist without delay. They can identify any issues that may be affecting your taste sensation and discuss alternative denture options if needed.
While dentures can allow you to eat comfortably, they may also impact your sense of taste. However, this shouldn’t detract from your enjoyment of meals. Speak with your dentist to discover ways to mitigate any potential effects on your sense of taste to ensure that you fully savor every bite and continue to delight in the flavors of your favorite foods!
About the Practice
Meadowbrook Dental Care, under the leadership of Dr. Alvin Babu, Dr. Judson Wells, and Dr. Miguel A. Casañas Jr, is dedicated to providing compassionate patient care. They prioritize your comfort throughout treatment and offer a complete spectrum of restorative, cosmetic, and preventive dental services. With a focus on enhancing your dining experience, they also provide insights into how dentures can affect taste perception. For more information on dentures or to schedule an appointment with their experienced team, contact Meadowbrook Dental Care at (516) 284-1234 or visit their website.