Popsicles were my go-to for a while but then I got tired of the sticky mess, and chewing frozen grapes was just...not happening with my jaw pain.
I tried the frozen grape thing too and instantly regretted it—felt like my teeth might just fall out. I’m new to all this, and honestly, every adjustment day I overthink what I’m supposed to eat. Mashed potatoes and oatmeal have basically become my safety net. I keep wondering if it’s normal for the wax to vanish so fast or if I’m just doing it wrong. The salt water rinse is gross but at least it doesn’t disappear on me. This whole process feels endless sometimes, especially with all the soreness.
I get what you mean about the wax—mine disappears in like an hour, even if I barely eat or drink. I actually started wondering if I was just swallowing it by accident? The mashed potatoes and oatmeal thing is real, but honestly I got so sick of them after a week that I tried scrambled eggs and soft pasta. It’s not as scary as I thought, and it didn’t make the soreness worse. Sometimes I think the salt water rinse helps a bit with the pain, even though the taste is awful. This whole thing really does feel never-ending, but maybe we’re just overthinking every tiny thing...
Yeah, the wax just vanishes for me too. I kept thinking maybe I was eating it without realizing, but my ortho said that’s actually pretty normal—guess it’s harmless if you do swallow a little. The mashed potato stage gets old fast, right? I tried pudding and yogurt at first, but after a few days I just wanted something with actual texture. Scrambled eggs and soft pasta are now my go-tos. Haven’t had any issues with pain getting worse from trying those either.
The salt water rinse is gross, but it really does take the edge off for a bit. I’ve also noticed that if I use it before bed, my mouth feels less irritated in the morning. Not sure if that’s just in my head or what.
Honestly, I think you’re onto something about overthinking every little thing. It’s easy to get hyper-focused on every new ache or weird feeling because the process drags on forever and there’s not much you can do except wait. Some days are better than others—sometimes my teeth barely hurt, then suddenly one random tooth is sore for no reason.
I keep reminding myself it’s all temporary (even though “temporary” feels like a year). My ortho said it’s totally normal for things to feel slow with underbite corrections, especially at first. Still annoying though.
If you haven’t already tried cold packs on your jaw, that helped me during the worst soreness days. Not a miracle cure or anything, but made eating less miserable.
Hang in there...it really does get easier once you settle into the routine—even if it feels like you’ll be stuck eating oatmeal forever.
That thing about the wax disappearing used to freak me out too—like, where did it even go? My ortho said the same, and honestly I just try not to overthink it anymore. I do get a little paranoid about swallowing stuff, but apparently it’s fine.
I totally get what you mean about wanting food with some bite. After a week of yogurt and applesauce, I was desperate for something that actually felt like chewing. Scrambled eggs and soft pasta were lifesavers for me too, though I still cut everything up tiny just in case. Every now and then I try something a bit firmer and instantly regret it—definitely learned my lesson with crusty bread.
The salt water rinse is gross, but I swear by it now. I actually think it does make a difference overnight—my mouth isn’t as raw when I wake up. Maybe it’s partly psychological, but anything that helps even a little is worth sticking with.
I’m always second guessing every weird ache or twinge, so you’re not alone there. Some days one tooth will randomly hurt like crazy for no reason, then be fine the next day. It’s hard not to spiral, but I keep reminding myself it’s part of the process.
Cold packs are great advice—I use them more than I’d like to admit. It’s not magic, but it takes the edge off enough that eating isn’t miserable. Just counting down the months at this point...
That whole “random tooth pain” thing drove me nuts too—sometimes it feels like your mouth is inventing new aches just to mess with you. You’re right, though, it’s all part of the process. I found the salt water rinse surprisingly helpful as well, even if it tastes awful. It’s wild how much patience this takes, but it really does add up over time... hang in there.
