Scrambled eggs were definitely my go-to as well, especially with a bit of cheese melted in—made it feel less boring. Mashed sweet potatoes sound good actually, wish I'd thought of that earlier. I also relied heavily on smoothies, but learned quickly to avoid anything too acidic like pineapple or orange juice...ouch. Pasta trauma is real though, haha. Took me weeks before I could face spaghetti again without flashbacks to bracket disasters.
Smoothies can definitely be a lifesaver, but you're right—acidic fruits can really sting when your mouth is tender. One thing I'd gently challenge though is the avoidance of pasta entirely. Maybe try switching up the type—something smaller and softer like orzo or even ravioli could be easier to handle without triggering those bracket flashbacks. Plus, a creamy sauce instead of tomato-based might help with sensitivity...just a thought. Hope things get more comfortable soon!
"Plus, a creamy sauce instead of tomato-based might help with sensitivity...just a thought."
Creamy sauces are definitely the way to go when your mouth feels like it's under renovation. Tomato sauce can feel like pouring lemon juice on a paper cut—been there, done that, not fun. Another thing I've found helpful is mashed potatoes or even sweet potatoes. They're soft, comforting, and you can season them gently without irritating sensitive gums. Also, soups are underrated here—especially blended ones like butternut squash or potato leek. They're filling, nutritious, and easy on the mouth.
I get the pasta hesitation though; sometimes even softer pasta shapes can feel tricky if you're really sore. Maybe try overcooking it slightly? I know, sounds like pasta blasphemy, but trust me, a little extra softness can make a huge difference when chewing feels like a chore. Hang in there—it does get better eventually.
Totally agree about creamy sauces—tomato sauce can sting like crazy. I've also found scrambled eggs helpful, they're soft and easy to swallow. Ever tried oatmeal? It's gentle, filling, and you can tweak flavors without irritation...just a thought.
Oatmeal sounds good, but doesn't it sometimes stick to your teeth or gums? I've been nervous about that. Maybe blending it smoother would help... Has anyone tried smoothies instead—are they easier to handle?