Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss and remain popular today in part because of their incredible versatility. Your dentist can provide a full or partial set to rebuild your arches based on the number of teeth that went missing to improve your smile’s function and appearance.
But it’s normal to have questions about this treatment, like whether your restoration might affect your sense of taste. Continue reading to learn more about why this can sometimes happen, and how it can often be overcome!
Will Wearing Dentures Affect My Sense of Taste?
These prosthetics can be a simple and effective way to replace some or all of your missing teeth. They typically consist of an acrylic, gum-colored base that contains the necessary number of teeth, or pontics, to rebuild your rows. Complete sets typically remain in place by forming a tight suction against the gums over the bony ridges in your mouth, while partial dentures often have metallic clips that anchor to healthy teeth in your mouth.
Some patients, particularly those with full upper arch of dentures, experience changes in their sense of taste, especially in the first couple of weeks of wearing their new restorations.
How Do Dentures Impact the Flavors of Foods?
Your sense of taste originates in thousands of small taste buds located on your tongue and other surfaces of your mouth, including your soft palate (the roof of your mouth), the back of your throat, and other areas. These are responsible for conveying the 5 basic flavors (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savory) to your brain, which is how you experience them.
But your new dentures cover up large sections of taste buds, which can affect your experience with and enjoyment of different foods. For instance, many patients report that things taste blander in general. Thankfully, this often resolves itself over time as your mouth and receptors adjust to the presence of your prosthetics.
How Can I Help Keep My Dentures Clean?
If you’ve had your dentures for a while and still are struggling to taste your meals, it might be because of plaque formation on their surfaces. Caring for them consistently can help prevent residue from building up to help preserve your senses.
You can help maintain your new teeth by removing them twice daily to gently scrub all sides with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild dish soap, which are unlikely to abrade the materials. It’s also recommended that you remove them overnight and leave them to soak in a glass of water or a special solution to help kill germs while preserving their shape while you sleep.
If you have other pressing questions about what to expect from daily life with dentures, you can learn more by contacting your dentist’s office directly!
About the Practice
At Beck Dental Care of Columbia, you and your loved ones benefit from a team of providers passionate about helping families build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Hart, Dr. Williams, and Dr. Matthews collaborate to offer a complete menu of services, including dentures, to meet your unique needs under one roof. They take the time to get to know your goals and concerns, then utilize advanced technology to deliver customized services for more accurate, long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (931) 416-3698.