Eating is something that humans have to do in order to continue living. However, it is much more than a mere act of survival. It can be a comforting, joyful experience. It also has strong social elements. You should be able to fully enjoy every bite you consume! Unfortunately, if you have dentures, you might have discovered some changes to your sense of taste. What can cause this problem, and is there anything you can do about it? Read on below to learn more about the relationship between dentures and taste in East Hartford.
Dentures and Taste
As human age, it is normal for their sense of taste to fade. In fact, flavor sensitivity can be a staggering 49 times lower in elderly people than it is in younger individuals. In some cases, the loss of taste that is sometimes blamed on dangers has nothing to do with the prosthetic teeth. Rather, it is a natural result of getting older.
In other instances, though, dentures are the reason behind changes in taste. This can occur in a few different ways:
- Upper dentures cover some taste buds. Most taste buds are on the tongue. However, those on the roof of the mouth are also important. Unfortunately, full upper dentures block that portion of the mouth, causing tastes to seem somewhat muted.
- Adhesive residue. If your dentures do not fit correctly, you could end up using a greater amount of adhesive than you used to. Eventually, this can create an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth.
- Food residue. If you do not thoroughly clean your dentures each night, bacteria and food particles can build up on them. These particles can interfere with your ability to fully enjoy your meals.
What You Can Do
Here are a few steps you may be able to take to enhance your sense of taste:
- Ensure that your dentures are clean. If you are unsure about how to properly clean your dentures, ask your dentist or dental hygienist for guidance. For most people, thoroughly brushing their prosthetic each night, along with regularly soaking it in a cleaning solution, is enough to help it stay fresh and functional.
- Ask about a reline. If you have been using extra adhesive to keep your denture in place, ask your dentist if your prosthetic can be relined (adjusted). If its fit has changed significantly, though, you might need an entirely new denture.
- Think about switching to implant dentures. Implant dentures do not block any taste buds. They are also extremely secure in the mouth and provide strong chewing power. They can help you enjoy your food to the full!
Dentures have the potential to adversely affect your eating experience. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to restore your sense of taste.
Meet the Practice
The dentists and specialists at Comprehensive Dental Associates of Central Connecticut proudly provide a full range of services, including conventional dentures, implant dentures, and denture maintenance. To learn more about us and how we may be able to help you have a positive experience with your prosthetic teeth, get in touch at 860-288-5786.