Dentures have allowed countless patients to achieve complete smiles after tooth loss, which can allow them to speak more clearly and chew more thoroughly. However, some new denture patients may notice that their appliances affect how they taste food. Here’s a brief guide to how this can happen as well as a few tips to help you enjoy your meals to their fullest.
Your Sense of Taste Changes with Age
Tooth loss is more common at older ages due to factors such as oral injuries and infections, wear and tear, weakening connective tissue, and the cumulative effects of years of unfortunate habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor oral hygiene. Age also has an effect on how a person perceives the flavor of food as the senses of taste and smell diminish over time. These changes can happen unevenly, such as when a patient becomes much less sensitive to sweetness but only a little less sensitive to saltiness.
Dentures Cover the Palate
Your sense of smell is actually incredibly important to how you taste food, and many smell receptors and taste buds are located on the root of the mouth. Upper dentures typically incorporate a base plate that covers part of the roof of the mouth, which can temporarily diminish the patient’s sense of taste. However, they should be able to taste normally again after their brain has some time to adjust to the dentures being in the mouth.
Poor Denture Hygiene
Dentures require daily maintenance to stay clean, and neglecting to care for your appliance can lead to it accumulating significant deposits of plaque and food debris. These substances breed oral bacteria that smell horrible, and having large populations of these germs in your mouth can have an effect on how you taste food. The best ways to prevent this include brushing and flossing your dentures daily while soaking them for eight hours every night while you sleep.
Don’t let poor denture care diminish your ability to enjoy a nice meal. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to keep your appliance in great condition.
About the Practice
Bell Road Dental Care offers the finest oral health services in Phoenix. Led by Drs. Reza Jafari, Sierra Ferriera, and Reema Patel, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys courteous and judgment-free care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about proper denture care, contact the office online or dial (602) 404-3483.