These cells transmit information that thebraininterprets as different flavors or tastes.
This article explains the function and anatomy of taste buds.
It also describes conditions that affect taste and how taste disorders are diagnosed and treated.
Adene Sanchez / E+ / Getty Images
Adene Sanchez / E+ / Getty Images
What Do Taste Buds Do?
Taste buds, while key to this process, are not the only organs involved.
When you are born, you actually have more taste buds than you will in later life.
Taste buds form in utero during fetal development and remain with you for life.
This can lead to a progressive loss of taste buds as well as a loss of taste perception.
This is due in part to the number of papillae on the tongue.
Conditions That Affect the Taste Buds
Taste disorders affect more than 200,000 people in the United.
Researchers believe that as many as 15% of adults may have problems with taste and/or smell.
Dysgeusia and Phantogeusia
Dysgeusiais the most common taste disorder.
Dysgeusia is not dangerous or life-threatening but can impact your quality of life.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndromeis characterized by a persistent burning sensation in your mouth.
It can often accompany dysgeusia and has many of the same causes.
Some cases of burning mouth syndrome areidiopathic, meaning that they occur for no known reason.
Burning mouth syndrome occurs in the absence of any injury to the tongue.
The treatment of taste disorders varies by the underlying cause.
In many cases, resolving the underlying condition will sort out the taste problem as well.
Taste disorders are treated by ENT specialists, also known as otorhinolaryngologists.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.In brief: how does our sense of taste work?
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Taste disorders.
2020;6(31):eabc5801.
