Before getting dentures, many patients ask if it can affect taste. As one of the only five senses, it’s crucial to enjoying your overall quality of life. We naturally lose our sense of taste as we age, and unfortunately, dentures can make it worse. Rest assured – there are ways to prevent that from happening! In this blog post, we’ll explain how exactly dentures affect taste and what you can do to improve taste sensation.
How Do Dentures Affect Taste?
Dentures may be very lifelike, but they’re still nothing like your natural set of teeth. The oral appliance covers the upper palate, which plays a role in taste and smell. Failing to clean your prosthetics properly can lead to residual deposits, causing a bad taste or interfering with your taste in foods.
Because lower-quality dentures are more porous, they pick up more odors and tastes, negatively affecting your overall taste sensation. If you consume dark-colored foods and drinks, they’re also more likely to stain. Using denture cream can impact your sense of taste, which is why it’s important to only use the recommended amount.
Impact of Taste Loss on Nutrition
When you’re not properly tasting your food, you may not be motivated to eat anything but the bare minimum to stave off hunger. These sudden changes in eating habits can put patients at risk of chronic diseases. Denture-wearers who experience diminished taste may:
- Lose interest in cooking
- Avoid foods with sour or bitter tastes, which contain essential nutrients
- Indulge in more sweets, contributing to diabetes
- Take in more salt, which is bad for cardiovascular health
- Eat less low-fat dairy, worsening osteoporosis
- Consume more fat
Tips to Improve Taste Sensation
Fortunately, your dentures don’t have to affect your taste or health! You can reduce the impact by:
- Cleaning your dentures properly. It’ll help you avoid stain buildup and food deposits that can alter your sense of taste.
- Getting better-fitting dentures. New dentures that require less adhesive will help you avoid the need for denture cream. If you’re having persistent trouble with the fit of your prosthetics, you may need a denture reline.
- Upgrading to dental implants. Implant dentures remove the need for a base plate, leaving the taste buds on the roof of your mouth alone. They allow you to enjoy your favorite foods and savor all the delicious flavors!
As you can see, there are ways to keep your taste around for as long as possible. By following these tips and asking your dentist for help, you can prevent your dentures from affecting your sense of taste!
About the Practice
At Michel Dental, we are passionate about helping patients achieve their very best smiles. Our team uses the latest technologies, techniques, and materials to ensure everyone gets the exceptional service they deserve. If you think your dentures are affecting your sense of taste, don’t hesitate to ask us for assistance. We’ll do what we can to help you enjoy your favorite foods once again. You can make an appointment via our website or call our office today.