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Do Dentures Change the Way You Taste Food? The Truth Behind Taste Loss and Dentures

  • michaelgrishindent
  • Jun 30
  • 4 min read
Eating food with dentures, does taste change?
Eating food with dentures, does taste change?

Whether you're new to dentures or you've been wearing them for years, a proper fit is essential for comfort, chewing, and even gum enjoyment. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we serve patients in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake, offering expert care and affordable dentures in Spokane tailored to your unique needs. If your dentures feel loose or shift while chewing, Denturist Michael Grishin—a trusted denturist near me—can assess your fit and recommend a reline, adjustment, or a brand-new set of dentures in Spokane.


Do Dentures Affect Taste? What Science Really Says


Taste buds are located not only on the tongue but also on the soft palate, cheeks, and even the upper throat. While full dentures primarily cover the roof of the mouth (palate), they do not directly block the tongue’s taste buds, which are responsible for detecting sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami flavors.


However, the palatal coverage of upper dentures can contribute to a perceived loss in flavor intensity. According to a study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, up to 29% of full denture wearers report a decrease in taste sensitivity, though most still retain basic flavor recognition.


How Upper Dentures Can Interfere with Taste Perception


1. Reduced Temperature Sensation

The hard palate helps transmit temperature, which influences flavor perception. Hot soups, cold desserts, and spicy foods all trigger sensory responses that go beyond taste buds. When an upper denture covers this area, the thermal transfer is diminished, altering the eating experience.


2. Texture and Mouthfeel Changes

Chewing with natural teeth creates pressure and texture feedback. Dentures distribute pressure differently, reducing tactile stimulation. This sensory gap can reduce flavor satisfaction even when taste buds remain fully functional.

According to a 2020 clinical report by the American Prosthodontic Society, "oral texture awareness plays a significant role in food satisfaction, and full dentures may dull this sensitivity."


3. Reduced Saliva Production

Denture wearers—particularly those with ill-fitting plates—may experience reduced saliva flow. Saliva is essential in breaking down food and dissolving flavor compounds. A dry mouth limits the ability to detect subtle tastes and aromas.


Common Myths About Dentures and Taste Buds


Myth #1: “Dentures Block Taste Buds Completely”

False. Most taste buds are located on the tongue and remain uncovered by dentures. However, changes in aroma detection, saliva flow, and oral mechanics can influence overall flavor perception.


Myth #2: “Only Upper Dentures Cause Taste Loss”

Partially true. While upper dentures that cover the palate are more likely to affect taste perception, lower dentures can still cause issues if they contribute to dry mouth or poor chewing efficiency, both of which indirectly impact taste.


Myth #3: “All Denture Wearers Lose Their Sense of Taste”

False. Taste perception varies based on age, denture fit, materials used, and overall oral health. Many patients report minimal or no change in taste, especially with properly fitted modern dentures.


Solutions to Improve Taste While Wearing Dentures


1. Opt for Palateless Denture Designs

Implant-supported overdentures or palateless upper dentures avoid covering the soft palate entirely. This allows temperature, aroma, and texture signals to be transmitted more naturally.


2. Improve Saliva Flow

  • Stay hydrated throughout the day.

  • Use sugar-free lozenges or xylitol gum to stimulate saliva production.

  • Ask your dentist about salivary substitutes if dry mouth persists.


3. Maintain Optimal Oral Hygiene

Food debris and plaque on dentures can affect taste and cause bad breath. Clean dentures daily using a soft brush and a non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid using toothpaste, which can be too harsh for acrylic materials.


4. Schedule Regular Denture Adjustments

Ill-fitting dentures cause discomfort and reduce oral function. Regular checkups at your denture clinic ensure continued suction, stability, and comfort—all of which contribute to better taste perception and enjoyment of food.


Patients in Eastern Washington can consult Grishin Denture Specialist for custom designs that preserve taste sensitivity and enhance daily comfort.


Aging, Dentures, and Taste: What to Expect

Taste perception naturally declines with age due to:


  • Fewer functioning taste buds

  • Medications that cause dry mouth

  • Reduced sense of smell


For denture wearers over 65, these factors can compound the perceived loss of flavor. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Gerontology showed that 40% of seniors experience moderate to severe taste decline, but proper denture design and hydration can improve satisfaction with meals.


Tips for Enjoying Food More with Dentures


  • Choose aromatic herbs and spices to enhance food aroma.

  • Incorporate varied textures in meals—soft foods with crunchy toppings help stimulate the palate.

  • Take smaller bites and chew slowly to release more flavor.

  • Avoid overly dry or sticky foods that are harder to chew and less flavorful.

  • Clean your dentures and mouth before meals to eliminate lingering tastes or odors.


Conclusion


Dentures do not directly affect your taste buds, but they can influence how you perceive flavors through changes in temperature, texture, and saliva production. Most denture wearers retain their sense of taste when using well-fitted, properly maintained appliances. Understanding how dentures interact with your sensory system can help you make adjustments that restore full meal enjoyment.


Whether you're new to dentures or you've been wearing them for years, a proper fit is essential for comfort, chewing, and even gum enjoyment. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we serve patients in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake, offering expert care and affordable dentures in Spokane tailored to your unique needs. If your dentures feel loose or you’ve noticed changes in the way your food tastes, Denturist Michael Grishin, a trusted denturist near me, can help you regain confidence in both your smile and your meals.


Discover important expert advice on wearing dentures while sleeping and proper care tips here.


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Grishin Dentures Specialist

Phone: (509) 532-5555

Address: 104 S Freya st, Suite 213A,
Orange Flag Bldg, Spokane, WA 99202

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