How Your Sense of Taste May Change with Dentures—and How to Adapt

Getting dentures is an exciting step toward restoring your smile and improving your oral health! However, many patients experience a strange sensation with their sense of taste at first. While it’s true that dentures can cause some changes, understanding why this happens and how to adjust can help you continue to enjoy meals and expand your menu for better nutrition. So, continue reading to learn how you can adjust to your dentures and a change in taste.

How Do Dentures Affect Your Taste?

Your mouth is full of taste receptors, not just your tongue! Since dentures cover certain parts of your mouth, especially full upper dentures, these other taste points are blocked. This can slightly dull your perception of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory, bitter, making certain foods less flavorful.

The materials used for denture maintenance can also have a slight impact on taste. For example, some denture adhesives and cleaning products might leave a lingering aftertaste that can alter different flavors.

Can Taste Improve Over Time?

The good news is that many people find that their sense of taste improves as they adjust to wearing dentures! Over time, your brain adapts to the new sensations, and you may notice that food starts to taste more like it used to. This adjustment period varies from person to person, but with patience and persistence, your sense of taste can become less of an issue.

It’s also important to remember that dentures allow you to enjoy a wider variety of foods that you may have otherwise struggled to eat before. With a restored set of teeth, you can chew more effectively, which can expand your menu options and help you stay healthy through varied nutrition. So, while there may be some initial changes to your sense of taste, dentures ultimately grant you an overall better food experience!

Tips for Adjusting to Taste Changes

Here are some tips to help you adjust to any taste changes that come with wearing dentures:

• Keep Your Dentures Clean: Regularly cleaning your dentures can prevent any lingering tastes from adhesives or cleaners.
• Experiment with Flavors: If certain foods seem less flavorful, try incorporating herbs, spices, or other flavor enhancers to make your meals more enjoyable.
• Stay Hydrated: A dry mouth can create a bad taste in your mouth and even affect your ability to taste at all! Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help keep your saliva flowing.
• Be Patient: Give yourself time to adjust! Your sense of taste may gradually improve as you become more accustomed to your dentures.

Adjusting to life with dentures takes time, but with a little patience, you’ll soon find that you can enjoy your favorite foods just as much as before! If you’re struggling, call your dentist. They can give you tailored advice for getting used to your prosthetics.

About the Practice

Dr. Rasheed Zahawi and Dr. Yaritza Vazquez are your expert dental team at Harris Parkway Dental Care. They love helping their patients achieve healthier smiles, whether it’s through treating gum disease, filling cavities, or replacing missing teeth. With their experience and grasp of modern dental technology, you’ll be in great hands! Call (817) 423-2223 to schedule a denture consultation with us or visit our website to explore other services we offer.