The taste of food is one of the key pleasures of life, so you may be quite frustrated if your dentures are affecting your ability to perceive flavor. While this is a common issue for denture patients, there are a few effective ways to improve your sense of taste while wearing your appliance. Here’s how dentures can change your ability to taste and how you can maximize your enjoyment of your meals.
How Can Dentures Affect Taste?
Dentures often affect a person’s ability to taste in one or more of three ways, those being:
- Covering taste buds: While most people know that the human tongue is host to a large number of taste buds that allow for the perception of flavor, saltiness, sweetness, and acidity, they may not realize that the roof of the mouth is home to a significant population of taste receptors. Since the base of a top denture can cover the palate, it may diminish a person’s ability to taste.
- Accumulation of residue: Dentures must be cleaned and soaked daily to stay in working order, and neglecting your appliance’s hygiene and maintenance requirements can lead to the buildup of foul-smelling and nasty-tasting food debris, plaque, and bacteria. This can overpower the pleasant tastes of food.
- Denture adhesive: Some brands have more noticeable tastes than others. You may also taste your adhesive during meals if you use too much of it.
How Can I Maximize My Dining Pleasure when Wearing Dentures?
A few great ways to increase your ability to taste food while wearing dentures include:
- Give yourself some time to adjust: Over time, your mouth will get used to wearing dentures and adjust its sensitivity to taste accordingly.
- Practice excellent denture maintenance and oral hygiene: Every day, brush and floss your denture to eliminate plaque and food debris. It’s also important to brush your soft tissues even if you have no natural teeth remaining.
- Soak nightly: Dentures must be removed and soaked for eight hours daily, and most patients do this before going to bed.
- See your dentist: If you’re having difficulty getting a nasty taste off of your dentures, see your oral healthcare provider so they can give the appliance a thorough cleaning. If you don’t like using denture adhesive, they may be able to adjust the appliance so that it fits well without it.
Your dentures are supposed to allow you to enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods with interesting flavors and textures. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to keep your appliance comfortable and functional.
About the Practice
Dr. Shauna Soltani earned her dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and regularly participates in continuing education coursework to keep her skills current. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her office in Denver provides general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. If your dentures are affecting your sense of taste, contact her online or dial (720) 608-7770.
