Are you struggling with moderate to severe tooth loss? If so, then you may be considering replacing your missing pearly whites with dentures. While this is a popular method for restoring smiles, it can also influence your taste buds in the long run. So, how will you be able to enjoy your favorite foods with your new restorations? Keep reading to learn how dentures can affect your sense of taste and ways to reduce the impact!
The Relationship Between Dentures & Your Sense of Taste
Although dentures don’t cover up your tongue, they can rest upon your upper palate to stay in place if you wear a full set of upper restorations. Your sense of taste is heavily associated with your sense of smell, as this is what often allows you to identify certain flavors when you eat. If you try to eat or drink something while holding your nose (or if you’re sick), you might notice that the taste is bland. Whether you’re congested or the nasal pathway is blocked, it can keep you from tasting meals. While dentures don’t cause congestion, they can block the upper palate from smelling things, preventing you from tasting in the process.
How to Lower the Impact of Your Dentures
Even if you wear upper dentures that can affect your ability to taste, you can still help reduce the impact in the following ways:
- Be sure your restorations fit properly: Sometimes dentures can interfere with your sense of taste because they aren’t well-fitted. This can hurt both your bite, sense of smell and taste, and your confidence. Reach out to your dentist if this is the case so that they can fix the issue.
- Maintain clean dentures: By keeping your dentures clear of debris and food particles, you can avoid any sense of smell or taste they may offer.
- Consult your dentist about any concerns: If you have questions about your situation, feel free to speak with your dentist. They might be able to detect the root of the problem for a diminished sense of taste, or they might provide denture adhesives to help boost your overall well-being.
Restore Your Smile & Sense of Taste with Implant Dentures
If you’re having difficulties with dentures affecting your ability to taste, then you can try overcoming them with implant dentures. Unlike traditional ones, these restorations will be directly anchored to your jawbone via titanium posts. Since your new teeth will rest atop the dental implants, your dentures won’t cover the upper palate. Not only will you preserve your teeth and facial shape, but you’ll also be able to restore your sense of taste!
With these few tips and an alternative tooth-replacement option, you can be sure to enjoy all your favorite meals and flavors going forward. Speak with your dentist if you’re interested in implant dentures, and they’ll be more than happy to discuss your treatment options!
About the Author
Dr. James K. Kramer studied at the Temple University School of Dentistry and has been providing high-quality care for over thirty years. He’s also a proud member of several organizations, such as the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He offers a vast collection of comprehensive treatments, including dentures, dental implants, and implant dentures. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call 302-436-5133.