You recently got new dentures, and you’re getting ready to bite into a juicy burger. As soon as it hits your mouth, you wait for the flavors to tingle your taste buds, yet they never show up. What happened? Why does it taste bland? After a few more bites, you suddenly become saddened by the reality that your dentures might be to blame. If you’re wondering whether there’s anything you can do to fix it, keep reading to learn how to start enjoying mealtime again.
Dentures & Your Taste Buds: What Happens?
Wearing dentures has its advantages, especially after experiencing life without a full set of teeth. If you’re like most people, however, eating is an enjoyable task in everyday life. How exactly, then, do dentures make it harder to taste certain foods?
First, not all prosthetics are to blame. A lower denture is typically designed to look like a horseshoe, so it covers only your gums, not the lower part of your mouth. It is the upper denture that is often the problem. Taste buds don’t only exist on your tongue; they’re also found on the roof of your mouth. Unfortunately, because these prosthetics cover this area, it’s harder to taste certain foods.
Other reasons your dentures may affect your taste include:
- Your dentures no longer fit correctly. This can cause a metallic taste, especially if you use too much cream or denture adhesive to keep them in place.
- You are not cleaning your dentures regularly, allowing debris to build up over time. You may notice a foul odor and bad taste that interferes with the food you eat.
Are Implant Dentures a Better Option?
For many denture wearers, switching from traditional prosthetics to dentures anchored to dental implants is a worthwhile investment. Instead of covering areas of your mouth with artificial materials, your new teeth attach to the implants, so you don’t need strong suction.
If you decide this is the right option, you’ll enjoy a stronger bite force and chewing power that allows you to eat all the foods you love. This is one reason millions of people love their dental implants. They’re free from dietary restrictions.
However, if implant dentures aren’t quite what you’re envisioning, at least not yet, there are other things you can do to restore your taste while wearing dentures:
- Ask your dentist about a reline or replacement if you notice your dentures don’t fit properly.
- Keep your dentures clean with regular brushing and soaking to remove buildup and debris.
Once you understand the reason for your loss of taste, you can decide how you want to restore it. You and your dentist can discuss your options and determine how to move forward so you can prepare to savor every meal from now on.
About the Author
Dr. Mahmoud Homsi graduated from Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and earned a Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry. Providing restorative solutions and high-quality tooth replacement to patients in need, he offers dentures as a reliable, cost-effective solution. If you have been wearing these prosthetics but can no longer taste the foods you love, visit our website or call (603) 228–0123 to schedule an appointment.