If you’re considering dentures or have or if you have already taken possession of your new dentures them you may ask yourself: Will dentures affect my ability to taste food? It’s a common and valid concern, as enjoying your meals is a big part of life! At Christina Brinda DDS in North Canton, we understand these worries. As a dentist who specializes in dentures, Dr. Christina Brinda will explain through this blog how dentures can impact your sense of taste and what you can do about it.
How Dentures Can Affect Taste
Your tongue plays a major role in taste, but parts of your palate like the roof of your mouth, also have taste buds.
Upper Dentures and Taste Buds
Full upper dentures cover a significant portion of your palate. Because of this feature, the denture can block some of the taste buds located there. It could potentially leading to a reduced ability to taste flavors, especially salty, sweet, sour and bitter.
Reduced Temperature Sensation
The acrylic material of dentures can also insulate your mouth. This feature makes it harder to feel the temperature of food. It may also impact the overall enjoyment of your meal, as temperature is closely linked to flavor perception.
Material and Hygiene
If dentures are not cleaned properly, bacteria and food particles can build up. This may lead to a lingering bad taste in your mouth which can interfere with the taste of food.
Adhesive Taste
The taste of certain denture adhesives can also sometimes affect your perception of food flavors.
The Good News: Adaptation is Key!
While some changes in taste perception can occur, many patients find that their sense of taste improves significantly over time. As the patient adjusts to their dentures things start becoming more normal. Your brain often adapts by relying more on the taste buds on your tongue and the sensory input from your nose.
How Do You Enhance Your Taste Experience
As a dentist for dentures, we recommend these tips to help you enjoy your meals more fully:
Practice Excellent Denture Hygiene
Practice excellent denture hygiene, is crucial! Regular brushing and soaking of your dentures will prevent bacterial buildup and odors that can interfere with taste. Don’t forget to clean your gums and tongue, too.
Choose the Right Adhesive
Experiment with different brands or types of denture adhesives to find one that has a neutral taste or is flavor-free. Use only the recommended amount.
Explore Different Denture Options
For patients with upper dentures, sometimes an implant supported denture or a custom made denture with a thinner palate can minimize coverage and potentially improve taste sensation. Discuss these options with your local dentist who specializes in dentures.
Savor Your Food
Take smaller bites, chew slowly and really focus on the textures and aromas of your food. This can enhance the overall sensory experience.
Restore Your Joy of Eating with a Specialist
If you’re concerned about how dentures might affect your taste or if you’re experiencing ongoing issues, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Christina Brinda DDS, we are dedicated to helping you achieve not just a functional smile, but one that allows you to fully enjoy life’s pleasures.
📞 Call our North Canton office today at (330) 498-0668 to schedule an appointment.
