When someone mentions problems with dentures, you might think about them becoming loose in a person’s mouth while eating. What about a food-related issue of another sort – foods and beverages are tasting strange, and it’s actually related to your dentures! Keep reading to learn from your dentist in Tullahoma about how your sense of taste can be impacted by your dental restoration.
Why Do Dentures Affect Taste?
In general, there are three reasons why your dentures could be a hindrance to your ability to taste normally:
- Full upper dentures can cover taste buds. They often have base plates to keep them securely in place. Unfortunately, these plates sometimes cover the taste buds on the roof of our mouths. Doing so reduces the flavor intensity of foods and drinks. In some cases, this effect is temporary. While full upper dentures may initially cause loss of taste, your brain can eventually adjust so taste returns to normal.
- Dentures accumulate deposits of food and stains. Over time, they naturally build up food deposits and stains. It could keep you from adequately tasting what you eat. Cheap dentures use low-quality plastic that picks up more odors and flavors, leading them to affect how your future meals and snacks will taste.
- Sometimes dentures don’t fit well. A poor fit usually require a lot of adhesive to stay in place. It can potentially alter taste. Denture creams and adhesives are often described as having a lingering “metallic taste” which can overwhelm the flavor of what you eat.
Tips for Improving Your Sense of Taste
Fortunately, the aforementioned issues have solutions:
- Consider dental implants. Because implant-retained dentures don’t need a base plate, they shouldn’t interfere with your taste receptors.
- Clean your dentures properly: With regular brushing and soaking, they won’t develop stains and food deposits that can alter your sense of taste.
- Get better-fitting dentures: When they fit securely, it reduces your reliance on the metal-tasting adhesive. If the fit is a persistent issue, you might need a denture reline.
Your sense of taste can change with age but an alteration of what you’re used to could relate to your dentures. By staying mindful of the tips above, you can keep smiling while also enjoying the taste of your favorite foods and beverages!
About the Author
Dr. John Petty keeps abreast of the latest techniques and materials with over 500 hours of continuing education. He has taken many leadership roles in his profession serving as a General Chairman of the yearly educational meeting and as a Trustee of the Tennessee Dental Association (TDA). Dr. Petty is currently serving as Speaker of the House of the TDA. He is proud to see his son, Jackson, following in his footsteps as a dentist. If you are interested in dentures or need help with your current restoration, please call (931) 454-9499 so someone can assist you with your needs or you may send a request for a consultation on Dr. Petty’s website.