So, you’ve just gotten dentures for the first time? You’re likely excited about your restored smile in that case. Still, you should keep in mind that dentures affect your sense of taste. They could easily alter your perception of meals if you aren’t careful. As such, you’ll want to take precautions to prevent that outcome. Fortunately, your local Annandale dentist has some suggestions. To that end, here’s how dentures can harm your sense of taste and ways to improve taste sensation.
How Do Dentures Affect Your Sense of Taste?
At first glance, it might seem odd that dentures would affect your sense of taste. However, these restorations’ features can interfere with your taste buds. The traits in question include:
They Can Require Denture Creams
When dentures fit poorly, you may rely on creams and adhesives to secure them. The downside, though, is that such materials have a poor effect on taste buds.
Put simply, denture creams alter taste sensations. They often overwhelm patients with a “metallic flavor,” which overwhelms other feelings from food or drinks. As a result, using them too much can cause a temporary loss of taste.
They Can Collect Food Deposits
With daily use, dentures gradually build up food deposits and stains. Such debris can overwhelm your senses and lead to taste loss.
In truth, this problem doesn’t apply to all dentures. Only cheaper models tend to suffer the issue, as they use low-quality and porous plastic. Consequently, cheap dentures pick up more odors and tastes than expensive ones.
They Can Cover Your Palate
In some cases, full upper dentures have a base plate reaching your mouth’s roof. This part ensures the prosthetic stays in place but also hurts your sense of taste.
You see, many taste buds are on the roof of a person’s mouth. By covering the palate, a denture’s base plate keeps those cells from perceiving tastes.
How to Improve Taste Sensation
Ultimately, it isn’t too hard to improve your taste sensation. Just rely on the following tips:
- Try Implants – Unlike regular ones, implant dentures don’t use a base plate. Therefore, they don’t cover the taste receptors in your mouth.
- Clean the Dentures – As you always should, clean your dentures daily with a toothbrush and hand soap. This approach removes some of the excess food debris and odors.
- See a Dentist – Taste loss can stem from various things, so discussing the matter with a dentist is prudent. They could do an oral exam to confirm the cause and provide effective care.
Your sense of taste does fade with age; that much is true. However, there’s no reason to let it cease entirely. With that said, use the tips above so your food stays tasty.
About the Practice
Nova Smile Dental is based in Annandale, VA. Led by Dr. Salari, our practice focuses on comprehensive dental care for each and every patient. To that end, we perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services tailored to your unique smile. We also offer emergency procedures like tooth extractions and root canal therapy. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (703)-763-0800.