Dentures are remarkable prosthetic devices that can restore several, many, or all of a patient’s missing teeth, and they can also help a patients speak and eat comfortably after tooth loss. However, some patients may find that these appliances can interfere with their ability to taste food. Here is a brief overview of how dentures can alter the taste of food as well as a few tips to help you enjoy meals to their fullest when wearing your appliance.
Dentures Can Cover Many of Your Tastebuds
While most people know that the tongue is home to many tastebuds, you may not realize that these sensory organs are located on several other parts of your mouth as well. The roof of the mouth hosts a huge number of tastebuds, and wearing traditional dentures can prevent them from detecting the flavorful molecules in food. This issue should diminish over time as you get used to wearing your appliance.
Denture Adhesive May Have a Noticeable Taste
Many brands of denture adhesive occupy the shelves of pharmacies across the country, and they vary significantly in terms of quality. Denture adhesives can come in forms like creams, powders, and strips, and some of them can lead to a persistent taste in your mouth. If you are using one of these products to help your denture fit securely, you may notice an effect on how you taste food. You may be able to reduce this by using only the amount of adhesive recommended on the label or by experimenting with different brands.
Poor Denture Hygiene Can Leave Nasty Tastes in Your Mouth
Dentures must be removed, thoroughly cleaned, and soaked on a daily basis to ensure that they do not develop accumulations of plaque, food debris, and sugary residues that can lead to oral infections. Neglecting to maintain your dentures properly can cause them to develop nasty buildups that can leave a foul odor on your breath as well as a lingering gross taste in your mouth. The best way to address this problem is usually a thorough denture hygiene session, but you may have to take your appliance to the dentist for a deeper cleaning.
The taste of food is an important part of the joy of life. If your traditional dentures are making it difficult to taste your meals, you may wish to consult with your dentist about receiving implant dentures that work and feel just like real teeth without interfering with your tastebuds.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan E. Mason earned his dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed a one-year residency at the VA Medical Center in Philadelphia. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Vermont State Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Manchester offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. If your dentures are making it hard to taste food, contact his office online or dial (802) 362-1099.