Alteration in taste perception among young children during the use of removable orthodontic appliance therapy

Background: The sense of smell is very influential in the taste of foods. If the smell pleases us, we anticipate the taste of the food with a great deal of relish. If our sense of smell is impaired, so is our taste. The effect of appliance on taste and flavor perceptions has always been a controversial subject. Several investigators have indicated a loss of taste sensation associated with palatal coverage. Others have found that appliances either exerted no effect on taste perception or actually enhanced this perception. Material and methods: 100 selected volunteers for the study were divided into two groups (Groups I and II) of 50 children each as study and control groups, between the age groups of 8- 13 years .All the selected volunteers were given different taste stimuli and were asked to score as per their perception. The verbal score was calculated on the basis of correct and incorrect taste stimuli given to them. Results: For both the groups the results regarding verbal labeling, hedonic estimates and intensity were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The appliance brings about transient change in taste perception, which could be found both in children with or without appliance. Clinical significance: Dentists should educate the patient before delivering the appliance about the transient change in taste perception and encourage full time wear of the appliance, including during meals, without fear of affecting taste sensations.