Your sense of taste does more than make eating enjoyable — it also plays a vital role in stimulating your appetite and helping your body recognize different nutrients. However, if you wear dentures, you may have noticed that your favorite foods don’t taste quite the same anymore. Dentures can influence how you perceive flavors, but understanding why it happens can help you find ways to bring back the full enjoyment of eating.
How Dentures Can Change the Way You Taste
Many denture wearers report that food tastes blander or less distinct after getting their prosthetic teeth. This can happen for a few different reasons. One is that dentures cover parts of the mouth that are normally exposed to food, particularly the roof of the mouth (the palate), which contains taste buds and nerve endings that help transmit flavor sensations to the brain.
When a full upper denture sits against the palate, it can block these signals, dulling your ability to detect subtle flavors. In addition, denture adhesives may sometimes leave a lingering taste that interferes with the natural flavors of food and beverages.
Another factor is saliva production. A well-fitting denture depends on saliva for suction and comfort, but some denture wearers experience dry mouth, which can affect taste and make chewing more difficult. Because saliva helps dissolve flavor compounds, reduced moisture can make foods seem less flavorful.
The Emotional and Physical Impact
Losing some of your sense of taste can have a surprising impact on your quality of life. When food doesn’t taste as good, eating becomes less enjoyable, which may lead to lower appetite or even poor nutrition over time. This is especially concerning for older adults who already face challenges maintaining a balanced diet.
It’s important to discuss any changes in taste or appetite with your dentist, as these could also indicate issues such as an ill-fitting denture, gum irritation, or infection.
How to Improve Taste With Dentures
If your dentures are affecting your sense of taste, there are several ways to help restore your enjoyment of food. The first step is to ensure your dentures fit properly — even small adjustments can make a big difference in comfort and oral function. Regular cleaning is also essential, as plaque buildup or leftover adhesive can contribute to unpleasant tastes.
Another option is switching to implant-supported dentures. Unlike traditional dentures, implant dentures are anchored directly into the jawbone and don’t cover the palate. This allows for better stability, improved chewing ability, and a more natural tasting experience. Many patients find that implant dentures not only enhance comfort and confidence but also allow them to fully savor their meals again.
Even small changes, like adjusting your dentures or switching to a different adhesive, can help you enjoy the flavors you love.
About the Practice
The West Orange community can count on D&G Dental for personalized denture solutions designed for comfort, function, and confidence. Our team of doctors offer both traditional and implant-supported dentures to help patients eat, speak, and smile with ease. To learn more about restoring your taste and comfort with dentures, come see us.
Call us at (973) 731-2200 or request an appointment online.