As one of our five senses, taste inevitably plays an important role in our overall quality of life.
If we cannot taste our food properly, a little bit of joy diminishes and with this so does the motivation to eat. This can lead to poor nutrition which would bring about a whole host of other problems…
Whilst it’s only natural that as we get older the functionality of our senses begin to decrease, dentures can also affect our taste buds…. but Newsflash, they don’t have to…..
Whilst a denture that covers the upper palate is more likely to result in loss of taste because the palate plays a role in taste and smell, not everyone is significantly impacted. Proper denture maintenance, properly fitted dentures, or using implant-secured dentures can help maintain our sense of taste as we age but if dentures are not properly cleaned, residual deposits on the dentures can cause a bad taste or interfere with how we perceive foods to taste.
To summarise, the best way to minimize the impact of dentures on your sense of taste is:
- Ensure you clean your dentures properly
- Minimize the use of denture cream with better-fitting dentures
- If covering the upper palate affects your sense of taste, try dentures supported by dental implants,which don’t need an upper plate (obviously your clinical denture technician will advise which fitting is best for you, your mouth and your needs)
After all, prevention really is better than cure… so by investing in quality dentures and taking the smart step to caring for your dentures and Oral health, you’re going the right way to creating a better quality of life for yourself, not to mention richer taste buds and a more attractive, confident you.
To learn more about our denture services or for advice and information contact a member of our team http://donegaldentureclinic.ie/contact/