Denture Taste Alteration — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Palatal coverage alters perception of food texture and temperature
Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · E = shown as C · A = shown as E
A is correct. A complete upper denture covers the hard palate and reduces normal sensory feedback from food contact. In particular, altered perception of food texture and temperature can make food seem less flavoursome or cause a complaint of altered taste. B may cause instability and impaired mastication, but it does not explain the characteristic sensory effect of palatal coverage. C is unrelated to oral sensation. D is incorrect because the accepted mechanism is physical coverage and altered sensory feedback, rather than chemical suppression of taste buds by acrylic. E may be considered when assessing dysgeusia generally, but is less likely when symptoms began immediately after provision of a maxillary denture.
Reference: Jüch PWJ, Kalk W. Influence of a maxillary complete denture on taste perception. Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd. 2011;118(11):569-574. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22235520/