Your senses of taste and smell do much more than simply make food enjoyable. They help form memories, influence emotions, connect you to loved ones, and even protect your health. These two senses are deeply intertwined—so much so that about 80% of what we perceive as taste actually comes from our sense of smell.
When your sense of smell is impaired—such as during a cold, sinus infection, or even after a COVID-19 infection—your food may taste bland or unappealing. That’s because smell and taste work hand in hand to create what we know as “flavor.” As you chew, your teeth and saliva break down food, releasing chemicals that stimulate taste buds. Simultaneously, these chemicals also travel to olfactory receptors in the nose. This dual input allows us to fully experience flavor. Try holding your nose while eating—you’ll still register sweetness or saltiness, but the flavor will feel muted.
Beyond just flavor, other receptors in your mouth and throat register sensations like heat from spicy foods or the cooling from mint or eucalyptus. Altogether, multiple sensory pathways work together to shape the experience of eating and drinking.
When Things Go Wrong: Understanding Taste Disorders
A group of conditions called taste disorders can alter or impair your ability to taste. These include:
- Ageusia: Complete loss of taste.
- Hypogeusia: Reduced ability to taste.
- Hypergeusia: Heightened sensitivity to taste.
- Dysgeusia: Distorted sense of taste.
- Phantom taste disorder: Lingering, unpleasant taste even with nothing in the mouth.
A wide variety of factors can trigger these issues:
- Infections or inflammation in the mouth or throat (such as gingivitis)
- Vitamin B12 or zinc deficiency
- Metabolic disorders like diabetes or hypothyroidism
- Neurological conditions including Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
- Nerve damage
- GERD (chronic acid reflux)
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Certain medications, including chemotherapy
- Dry mouth, burned tongue, or swollen taste buds
- COVID-19 and other viral infections
Treating Dysgeusia and Other Taste Disorders
If you’re struggling with a change in taste, treatment often begins with identifying and addressing the root cause. Sometimes, the problem resolves on its own. If it’s linked to smoking or a vitamin deficiency, quitting tobacco and supplementing as needed may help.
When the taste issue stems from systemic illnesses or medications, you can manage symptoms through nutritional and dietary changes, palliative care, and the treatment of underlying disorders like diabetes. If you’re concerned, consult your doctor or dental professional for a personalized treatment plan.
It’s also helpful to speak with a registered dietitian about using safe and flavorful herbs and spices instead of reaching for added sugars or salt, which can negatively impact oral and overall health.
The Role of Dental Care
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential—not just for your teeth and gums, but for your ability to taste. Your dentist can examine your oral tissues, check for adequate saliva production, assess your tongue, and discuss any changes in your taste perception.
At home, make sure you’re brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and cleaning between teeth daily with floss or a water flosser.
At Beach Dental, we can help. If you’re experiencing changes in taste or smell, our team is here to support your oral health and guide you toward solutions that restore your quality of life.
Reclaiming Joy in Eating
Living with a taste disorder can be frustrating, but with the right care and attention, many people regain or improve their sensory function. A healthy lifestyle, regular dental checkups, and collaboration with healthcare professionals can make meals enjoyable again—and turn the act of eating back into a delight rather than a chore.
If you’re noticing changes in how food tastes or smells, don’t ignore it. Reach out to your dental provider or physician to explore your options and get the support you need to feel better—and taste better.
About the Practice
Recently, Dr. Jason Parli and Dr. Alexis Gersten at Beach Dental have worked with more and more patients who still experience the effects COVID-19 infections, which have a comment symptom of losing the senses of smell and taste. Because our dentists remain at the cutting-edge of dental techniques, technology, and treatments, helping us deliver the best care to our patients from East Moriches, Manorville, Westhampton Beach, East Quogue, and Westhampton. Give us a call at 631-325-0731 or reach out to our office online to book and appointment today!