Overall, you’re pretty satisfied with your dentures. They fill your smile quite nicely, and have significantly improved your oral function. There’s just one thing that’s bothering you: food tastes different. In fact, it tastes bland. What happened to your sense of flavor?
This actually isn’t an uncommon issue for denture-wearers. Fortunately, your dentist can help you find a solution! Keep reading to learn more about how dentures can affect your dining experience.
How Dentures Affect Taste
Dentures can affect your sense of taste in a couple of different ways, and so can the way you’re caring for them! For example:
- Your body’s natural response to having a foreign oral appliance in your mouth is to increase saliva production. While great for keeping your teeth clean, saliva isn’t so good for your ability to detect flavor.
- When used in excess, some denture adhesives produce a metallic aftertaste. If you’ve been using denture adhesive habitually for the past week or so, you may want to cut back and see whether that takes care of the problem.
- Your tongue isn’t the only thing lined with tastebuds – a good portion are actually located along your upper palate. Unfortunately, upper dentures tend to cover this area, reducing your ability to taste your food accurately.
- Dirty dentures that don’t get cleaned on a regular basis can house all kinds of ickiness, including bacteria and leftover food particles. If the bad taste in your mouth lingers after your meals, wash your dentures thoroughly.
Getting More Flavor Out of Your Meals
Enjoying your food is one of life’s simple pleasures. Fortunately, it’s not a pleasure you have to go without! Here are some tips for getting more flavor out of your meals:
- If this is your first time wearing dentures, wait another week or two. As you and your mouth get used to them, your saliva production should reduce to normal levels.
- If denture adhesive is affecting your sense of taste, see your dentist about getting your dentures relined. When your dentures fit properly, you won’t have to rely on adhesives to keep them in place.
- Consider dental implants as an alternative to palate-blocking dentures. These low-profile restorations fit directly into your dental socket and won’t get in the way of your taste buds.
- Make cleaning your dentures part of your daily routine. Or, if you’re already doing that, try soaking them in a denture cleaning solution at night. This sanitizing liquid can fit into the nooks and crannies of your prosthetic much more easily than your toothbrush!
Follow these tips and consult with your dentist, and you could experience the fresh flavor of all your favorite spices and herbs again.
About the Practice
At Salmon Brook Dental, we have not one, not two, but three outstanding dentists who are ready to help you with your oral concerns. Not being able to taste like you used to can be frustrating, and our compassionate team will work hard to adjust your dentures and help you enjoy your meals. To contact our office, call 860-653-4551.