Mashed potatoes are a classic for a reason, right? I get what you mean about smoothies and yogurt just not being filling enough. For me, I’m always trying to keep things cheap and easy, especially after an adjustment when I don’t want to cook much or spend extra. Usually, I stick with instant mashed potatoes or canned soups—sometimes I’ll throw in a little shredded cheese or soft tofu for protein. Have you ever tried adding something like cottage cheese or ricotta to mashed potatoes? It bulks them up a bit and doesn’t cost much.
I’ve also done the scrambled eggs thing, but eggs are getting pricier these days, at least where I live. Sometimes I’ll mash up canned beans with a little olive oil and seasoning—kind of like a warm dip. It’s not gourmet, but it’s soft, filling, and super cheap. Not sure if that’s everyone’s thing, though.
Honestly, I think the main thing is just finding something that doesn’t make you dread eating. I tried cold smoothies once because someone said they help with swelling and pain, but the brain freeze was worse than my sore teeth. Plus, like you said, they never kept me full for long.
Have you noticed if temperature matters much for you? Warm stuff feels way better for me than cold food after an adjustment. And do you ever try meal prepping before your appointment? I started making a big batch of something soft the night before so I don’t have to think about it when my mouth hurts. It’s saved me from spending on takeout more than once.
Curious if anyone else has found a budget-friendly comfort food that actually keeps you full... because sometimes it feels like all the “soft food” lists online are just yogurt and applesauce, which don’t really cut it when you’re hungry.
Temperature totally makes a difference for me too—warm foods always feel way more soothing after an adjustment. I’ve noticed patients say the same. I love that you brought up cottage cheese in mashed potatoes; I tried ricotta once and it was surprisingly good, almost like a lazy lasagna filling. For budget stuff, I’ll sometimes do overcooked rice with broth and a little butter or even hummus thinned out with warm water. Doesn’t sound glamorous, but it’s filling and doesn’t make my teeth ache. Cold smoothies just never did it for me either... plus, like you said, the brain freeze is brutal.
Cold smoothies just never did it for me either... plus, like you said, the brain freeze is brutal.
Right? I always see people recommending smoothies but honestly, after an adjustment, anything super cold just feels like punishment. Warm, mushy stuff is where it’s at. I’ve actually done instant grits with a bit of shredded cheese and soft scrambled eggs mixed in—sounds weird, but it’s super comforting and doesn’t take much chewing.
One time after a particularly rough wire change, I tried to eat a cold yogurt thinking it’d be soothing. Nope. My whole mouth was throbbing for the rest of the afternoon. Since then, I stick to things like creamy polenta or even just plain ramen noodles (minus the crunchy toppings).
Hummus with warm water is genius, by the way—never thought of that. Texture really matters too; anything with even a hint of crunch is off-limits for me for at least a day or two after adjustments.
It’s funny how much these little tricks make a difference. I guess you just figure out what works after a few rounds of trial and error.
Totally get this—smoothies always sound good in theory, but anything cold just seems to make the soreness worse for me. I’m with you on the warm, soft foods. One thing I found helpful is making mashed potatoes with a splash of warm broth instead of milk, so it’s extra smooth and easy to eat. If I’m desperate for something sweet, I’ll let pudding come to room temp first... not exactly gourmet, but it works. It’s wild how much your food choices shift during ortho stuff, right?
Mashed potatoes with warm broth—now that’s a pro move. I’m usually in the “give me all the soft carbs” camp after an adjustment too. Honestly, I’ve tried to do the cold smoothie thing (because everyone says it’s soothing), but my teeth just end up feeling like they’re being punished even more. The idea of pudding at room temp made me laugh... I remember eating chocolate pudding straight from the cup and thinking, “This is basically survival food now.”
Funny how you start craving things you’d never normally eat. For me, it was cream of wheat—something I hadn’t touched since I was a kid, but suddenly it was this magical comfort food. There’s something about warm, bland-ish foods that just feels right when your mouth’s in revolt.
I do kind of miss crunchy stuff though. The first time I tried to eat a crusty piece of bread after getting my wires tightened, it felt like chewing on gravel. Not worth it. But hey, at least mashed potatoes don’t fight back.
It really does mess with your usual habits. Even brushing feels different when everything’s sore—sometimes even swishing with mouthwash is too much for a day or two. But then again, there’s a weird satisfaction in knowing you’re getting closer to the end goal.
Anyone else secretly enjoy having an excuse to eat like you’re five years old again? Sometimes I think that’s the only silver lining...