Along with tooth loss, many people’s sense of taste may naturally diminish as they get older. Even so, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy most of your favorite meals. And if you need to replace your missing teeth, you might consider getting dentures for a convenient and reliable treatment. However, while you might be able to chew comfortably with your new smile, your sense of taste could be affected in the process. Keep reading to learn why this happens and the steps you can take to address it!
The Connection Between Dentures & Your Sense of Taste
Since dentures don’t cover up the tongue, it seems unlikely at first that they could influence your sense of taste. The area they do conceal is your upper palate to stay firmly in place, which plays an essential role in your sense of smell. This can significantly impact how you taste things, as the olfaction is designed to also help signal to your brain what the taste belongs to. Have you ever noticed that drinks and foods often taste bland whenever you’re sick? This is likely because you have nasal congestion, preventing you from tasting your meal. Though dentures won’t make you congested, they can block taste from your sense of smell by covering up the upper palate.
How Can You Reduce the Impact of Your Dentures?
While a set of upper dentures will affect your tasting ability, here are certain things you can do to lessen their influence, including:
- Ensure your dentures are properly fitted: Sometimes dentures can interfere with your sense of taste because they aren’t fitted correctly to your mouth. Since this situation can have cascading negative effects, it’s best to consult your dentist right away to fix it.
- Keep your dentures clean: By thoroughly and frequently cleaning your dentures, you can reduce the chances of debris or food particles accumulating and creating smells/tastes of their own.
- Visit your dentist: They’ll be able to assess your mouth and address any underlying issues that could be causing your situation. They might also offer alternative treatments to improve your smile and quality of life.
Why You Might Consider Switching to Implant Dentures
If traditional dentures are giving you difficulties with your sense of taste, then you should consider transitioning to implant dentures. These dental prosthetics will be directly anchored to your jawbone, so they won’t conceal your upper palate for support. You’ll be able to smell correct while also enjoying all of your favorite foods with a much stronger bite!
Feel free to speak with your dentist if you have concerns or want to switch to implant dentures. They’ll be more than happy to discuss your options to help you regain a strong and healthy smile.
About the Author
Dr. Mike Asay is a member of several groups like the Capital Area Dental Society and the Rotary Club of Round Rock. He studied at the Baylor College of Dentistry and regularly seeks continuing education to advance his techniques and expertise. He offers a wide selection of high-quality and comprehensive services, such as implant dentures. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call 512-244-2796.