Could a retainer on the top of your mouth dull taste?

Question

I just got a new retainer and when I eat with it in I find I cannot taste anything. I don't know if this could be related. I also kind of have a cold but I don't know. Would eating with it out make me be able to taste more?

Answer 1

Actually, I just learned this a few days ago. There are taste buds all around in your mouth, not just your tongue. When you cover them up with a retainer, the sense of taste is dulled. At first it may not seem like you taste anything, but it will get a bit better. Most of the time I just ate with mine in because it seemed weird to take it out. But, if you don't care about that, take it out and your sense of taste should be greater.  

Answer 2

Yea, I noticed that with mine to, so I eat without it.  

Answer 3

i noticed that with mine at first but after a few days it went away

Answer 4

I think the lack of taste may be from your cold. I have a top retainer myself. I just got my braces off almost half a year ago now. I only have to wear it at night, but before I had to wear it 24/7 and it didn't affect my taste at all.

Answer 5

Your taste buds are located on your tongue, not your upper teeth or the area the retainer would cover. I would suspect the culprit is your cold, especially if you have nasal congestion, smell and taste go hand in hand. As your cold goes away, you should find your taste returns

Answer 6

My orthodontist always told me not to eat with my retainer in. I think it does prevent you from getting the full flavor of something because it is blocking the taste buds on the roof of your mouth. I would wait for your cold to get better and then try eating with and without your retainer to see what works.