Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss regardless of how many teeth go missing because they provide many advantages that improve your daily quality of life. With them in place, you can grind your food to be easily swallowed and digested, clearly enunciate words, and smile authentically without worrying about an overly-gummy grin.
However, many patients are surprised that their new teeth temporarily impact their sense of taste. Continue reading to learn more about why this happens and what you can do!
How Does My Mouth Sense Taste?
Did you know that an average adult has about 2,000 to 4,000 total taste buds? Each one contains anywhere from 10 to 50 sensory cells, or taste hairs, that connect to nerve fibers that communicate sensory input to your brain. Your noggin then combines taste and smell signals to determine the flavor of whatever it is you’re eating or drinking.
You probably already know (or could safely assume) that your tongue is covered in tastebuds, but many people don’t realize they’re also located on the upper palate (the roof of your mouth) and even in parts of your throat.
How Do Dentures Impact My Sense of Taste?
If you’re like many others, you might notice that foods began tasting blander when you began wearing your dentures regularly. This can happen for a couple of reasons.
For example, it could simply be due to aging. Taste buds have an average lifespan of only 8 to 12 days, then they must regenerate. Unfortunately, it takes longer, and fewer are replenished as you grow older. By the time you reach 70 years, you may have already lost two out of every three of these receptors, hindering your brain’s ability to determine the flavor you’re eating.
It could also be that your restoration is simply blocking your tastebuds. Dentures rely on a firm suction with the connective tissues over the bony ridges in your mouth to remain in place all day. The acrylic base creates a bond over your gums, which can cover the tastebuds on the roof of your mouth or under your tongue.
How Can I Improve My Sense of Taste with Dentures?
If you’re worried that your sense of taste has been permanently affected, you can set your mind at ease. In many cases, your mouth adjusts to having fewer taste buds and learns how to communicate flavors correctly without having as many to rely on.
Otherwise, it helps to clean your dentures twice daily to remove plaque, debris, or leftover adhesive that can contribute to bacteria growth that affects your sense of taste and smell.
About the Practice
Patients at Cromer & Cairns Dental benefit from a team of experts who share 20+ years of combined experience helping people build happy, healthy smiles. They work together to provide a comprehensive array of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including dentures. They combine a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to create one-of-a-kind prosthetics made just for you. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (772) 562-5051.