Acquired Tastes: How Dentures May Affect Your Taste Buds

Adjusting to dentures can bring many changes to your daily life, but many patients don’t expect a change in taste! But how could something like a denture prosthetic affect the way you experience flavor? Continue reading to learn more about the science of taste and how your dentures can alter it.

Dentures Cover the Palate

One of the primary ways dentures can affect taste is through their coverage of your palate. Full upper dentures cover the roof of your mouth, which, if you didn’t know, is also home to many taste buds and chemical receptors! This can create a barrier between your food and these taste points, potentially dulling your ability to experience certain flavors. However, as you get used to your new prosthetics, this will become less of an issue.

Denture Adhesives Affect Taste

Many times, when dentures don’t fit well, patients turn to denture adhesives to keep them stable. While these can help keep your prosthetics from moving, they can also add an unexpected aftertaste to your meals. If your dentures don’t fit well, reach out to your dentist for adjustments. This will help keep your dentures snug and comfortable without affecting your perception of flavor.

Food and Plaque Buildup Taste Bad

Another significant contributor to the bad taste in many patients’ mouths is poor oral hygiene. Just like your natural teeth, dentures need to be cleaned twice a day to keep them free from plaque and food particles. Otherwise, bacteria feed on the things you eat and release foul-smelling (and tasting) chemicals that can make meals far less enjoyable.

Aging Takes Its Toll on Your Tastebuds

Unfortunately, many senses begin to dull as you grow older, and taste is no exception. So, while dentures can affect the way you perceive flavors, they’re not entirely to blame in every circumstance. Some people lose much of their ability to taste certain flavors while others are unaffected.

Dentures Expand Your Diet

Even with your taste affected by dentures, they still allow you to chow down on your favorite foods. Before, you might have stopped eating something you truly enjoyed because it was too difficult to chew. Now, you can continue expanding your diet in new and interesting ways. Perhaps now is the time to try more exotic cuisine!

Dentures are a great option to restore your smile and adapt to tooth loss, but they do come with some quirks. Knowing about them in advance can help you prepare to adjust to your situation or learn how to overcome these hurdles. If you need guidance to help you live your best life with dentures, call your dentist today. They can offer personalized advice to help you enjoy meals and smile as you taste success!

About the Author

Dr. Shandy Condie is a passionate dentist with a doctorate from the Creighton School of Dentistry. In pursuit of additional education, she underwent innovative training at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Dr. Condie is dedicated to providing exceptional care and ensuring her patients achieve their brightest smiles. Call (480) 279-3100 to schedule a consultation at Desert Springs Dental Group or visit our website to explore other services.