Modern dentures are so amazingly lifelike that casual observers usually don’t notice them and so incredibly comfortable that many people wearing them often forget that they’re there. However, some patients report that wearing dentures makes it harder for them to taste food. Fortunately, the dentures themselves are not usually the underlying cause of this loss of taste, and many patients can enjoy food more after improving their denture hygiene practices. Here’s a brief guide to why you may not taste food as well while wearing dentures and what you can do about it.
How Can Dentures Affect Taste?
Tooth loss becomes more common with age, so many people associate dentures with older people. The sense of taste also diminishes with age, making it more difficult for older individuals to experience salty, sweet, bitter, sour, or savory flavors.
Dentures can affect the sense of taste by covering the roof of the mouth with a base plate. The roof of the mouth is home to many taste receptor cells that help us detect the flavor of food, so covering it can make it more difficult to enjoy meals. Many people whose dentures do not fit well resort to using denture adhesives to keep their appliances in place, and the taste of these products can sometimes overpower the flavor of food. In some cases, a set of dentures can host a buildup of food deposits, causing a lingering unpleasant taste as well as bad breath.
How Can I Improve My Sense of Taste While Wearing Dentures?
There are several ways to make it easier to enjoy food while wearing dentures, including:
- Proper denture hygiene: Dentures should be thoroughly cleaned and soaked every day to eliminate food deposits. You should also rinse your dentures off after each meal.
- Making sure your dentures fit: If your dentures do not fit properly, your dentist may be able to reline or adjust them.
- Consider dental implants: Dental implants or implant dentures enjoy a sturdier hold in the mouth than traditional restorations, and they are far less likely to cause problems with taste since they look, work, and function just like real teeth.
- Talk to your dentist: Your dentist may be able to recommend other measures that can improve your sense of taste.
The sense of taste helps people avoid bad food and take pleasure in the act of eating. By taking the appropriate measures, you can enjoy your meals to the fullest while wearing dentures.
About the Author
Dr. Danny Hayes graduated from the Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia where he was selected to be part of the Stomatognathic Honor Society in recognition of his prosthodontic work. He is now a proud member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His office in Dyer offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. For more tips on improving your sense of taste when wearing dentures, contact his office online or dial (219) 322-3418.