"smoothies can be a real lifesaver, but watch out for acidic fruits like pineapple or citrus—they might irritate sensitive areas."
Good point about acidic fruits, though personally I found that a little bit of frozen mango actually helped soothe my gums—maybe because it's less acidic than pineapple or oranges? Also, while oatmeal is gentle, the tiny grains sometimes got stuck around my braces and irritated me more. Cream of wheat or rice pudding ended up being easier for me to handle...just something else to consider.
Interesting you mention oatmeal—I had the exact same issue with those tiny grains getting stuck. Cream of wheat was definitely smoother, but did anyone else find it a bit bland after a while? I ended up switching to mashed sweet potatoes with a bit of butter and cinnamon...super gentle on sore gums and braces-friendly. Also, about mangoes:
"personally I found that a little bit of frozen mango actually helped soothe my gums"
Did you find frozen fruit easier overall? I always worried it'd be too cold and cause sensitivity...
Frozen fruit was actually a lifesaver for me, especially mango and banana slices. I totally get your concern about sensitivity though—I had the same worry at first. But honestly, letting the fruit thaw just a tiny bit before eating made a huge difference. It was cold enough to soothe my gums without causing that sharp sensitivity. Your mashed sweet potato idea sounds delicious, by the way...wish I'd thought of that earlier!
"letting the fruit thaw just a tiny bit before eating made a huge difference"
That's a decent workaround, but I'd still advise caution with frozen fruits. Even slightly thawed, the acidity in mangoes can irritate sensitive gums. Maybe stick to bananas or pears—they're gentler and less acidic overall.
Frozen bananas are a lifesaver—especially if your mouth feels like it's been through a jackhammer session. Pears are good too, but honestly, sometimes they're gritty and that texture can be weird when you're already sensitive. Ever tried blending frozen fruit into smoothies instead? Less chewing, less irritation, and bonus points for feeling fancy sipping through a straw...
