Your sense of taste plays a major role in how you enjoy food and even in maintaining good nutrition. For people who wear dentures, it’s not uncommon to notice that food doesn’t taste quite the same as it used to. While dentures are an excellent way to restore your smile and chewing ability, they can sometimes interfere with taste perception.
Understanding why this happens—and what you can do about it—can help you get the most out of your denture experience.
The Relationship Between Dentures and Taste
Taste and smell work together to create the full flavor experience. When you chew, aroma molecules travel to the nasal passages, combining with your taste buds to produce what we recognize as flavor. Traditional dentures, however, can sometimes affect this process.
The upper denture, for example, covers the roof of your mouth (the palate), which contains taste buds and sensory receptors. By blocking this area, the denture can limit the signals sent to your brain, making foods seem blander or less enjoyable. Additionally, the acrylic materials used in dentures may temporarily give off a taste or odor that interferes with your ability to enjoy meals, especially when the dentures are new.
How Dentures Impact Taste Over Time
It’s common for new denture wearers to experience an adjustment period. In the early weeks, your brain is adapting to the new sensations and coverage in your mouth. Over time, most people regain some of their ability to distinguish flavors as they grow accustomed to their dentures.
However, other factors can continue to influence taste. Saliva production, for instance, may decrease when wearing dentures. Since saliva helps carry flavor molecules to the taste buds, a dry mouth can make food taste duller. Poorly fitting dentures can also trap bacteria and food debris, creating unpleasant aftertastes or odors.
Improving Taste Sensation with Dentures
If you’ve noticed changes in your sense of taste since getting dentures, several strategies can help:
- Keep your dentures clean: Food buildup or plaque on dentures can interfere with taste. Brush and soak them daily using non-abrasive cleansers.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to promote saliva flow, which enhances flavor perception.
- Schedule regular adjustments: If your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable, they might be affecting your ability to taste properly. Regular dental visits ensure a secure, comfortable fit.
- Remove dentures when possible: Giving your mouth short breaks—especially during sleep—can help maintain healthy oral tissues and sensitivity.
Implant Dentures: A More Natural Alternative
For those seeking a long-term solution, implant dentures may offer a significant improvement in taste sensation. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported restorations are anchored to the jawbone and don’t cover the roof of your mouth. This allows your taste buds and oral sensors to remain fully active, letting you enjoy food the way you used to.
Implant dentures also provide greater stability, reduce the risk of slippage, and help preserve your jawbone, giving you both comfort and confidence in your smile.
Enjoying the flavors you love shouldn’t be a thing of the past—talk with your dentist about options that can restore both your bite and your sense of taste.
About the Practice
Dr. Tarangini Suggala of Rosemeade Dental delivers comprehensive denture care designed for comfort, function, and aesthetics. Our skilled team offers both traditional and implant-supported dentures to meet each patient’s unique needs. Whether you’re getting your first set of dentures or exploring upgrades for improved taste and fit, Rosemeade Dental is committed to helping you rediscover the joy of eating and smiling with confidence.
Call us at (972) 446-1111 or request an appointment online.