According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the theme for Good Nutrition Month which falls in March 2012 is “Get Your Plate in Shape.”  To enable healthy eating, a complete set of teeth and a good bite play an important role. You may have family members or friends who have missing or crooked teeth, causing them to be extra picky about the food that they consume.

People with missing teeth who wear dentures tend to avoid hard food. Studies have indicated that those with ill-fitting dentures have a higher risk of developing diseases caused by malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. They may be unable to chew certain foods such as meat (high in proteins), fruits and vegetables (high in fibers). Instead, they resort to a soft diet such as mashed potatoes, cakes and pastries, which are high in sugar. The result is weight gain while not getting the necessary nutrients.

Those with crooked teeth may eat less vegetables, as their teeth alignment does not allow them to chew the vegetables properly, causing difficulty in digestion and stomach discomfort. Furthermore, according to the Singapore Cancer Foundation, unbalanced diets (high or low consumption of certain foods) may increase the risk of cancer.

Never let your dental issues affect your health and… smile. The solutions available, range from dental implants to replace missing teeth or orthodontic treatment (i.e braces and Invisalign) and crowns to correct your bite. Seek advice from your dentist for your best treatment options.