By far, the biggest change I’ve experienced in getting a full set of dentures is the loss of the taste of food. Since the upper dentures cover much of the roof of my mouth, there is a diminishing of taste when I eat food. There are taste receptors on the roof of the mouth and the dentures cover those in part.
I’ve lost nearly twenty pounds since I’ve had my dentures. I attributed a part of this to the fact the oral surgery, at least at first, made eating difficult. But since a lot of healing of the gums has taken place, I’ve still not returned to my normal hunger levels. A good portion of that is due to the fact that food just doesn’t taste as good as it used to and as a result, I just don’t get hungry as often.
I’m doing some research in this area of study and will use this post to keep up with what I learn.
How important is our sense of taste?
Losing our sense of taste is not something that should be casually overlooked. Not only is not enjoying a Belgium waffle covered in rich dark chocolate ever again, something we want to consider but taste loss can also have several negative effects on our health and well-being.
Taste loss favours unhealthy eating – Without our taste sensation to guide us with healthy fruits and vegetables, there is a tendency to eat foods higher in fats, salt, and sugar. As salty and sweet are two of the stronger flavour profiles.
Taste prepares the body – Taste triggers our salivary glands and aids our digestive systems ‘to be ready for food’
Taste nourishes the soul – Eating the foods we love is a pleasurable experience and triggers an endorphin release in our brains!
Taste prevents a loss of appetite – When we lose our sense of taste, we lose our interest in cooking and eating the foods we love.
David Lee 