"Seems harmless, but those tiny grains get stuck EVERYWHERE"
Ugh, rice...totally agree. Did you find pasta any better? I'm getting braces adjusted soon and already stressing about food choices. Soup seems safe, but is it filling enough? Also, did anyone else have trouble with temperature sensitivity? Hot foods scare me a bit right now—don't wanna add burns to the list of mouth disasters, haha.
"Soup seems safe, but is it filling enough?"
I completely understand your concern about soup not being filling enough. When I had my braces adjusted, I found that blending soups with hearty ingredients like potatoes, beans, or lentils made them much more satisfying and nutritious. Pasta was definitely easier than rice for me—especially softer varieties like macaroni or ravioli. Just make sure they're cooked a bit longer than usual to avoid any discomfort.
Regarding temperature sensitivity, you're right to be cautious. My mouth was quite sensitive initially, so I stuck to lukewarm foods for the first few days after adjustments. Hot foods weren't exactly painful, but they did feel uncomfortable and sometimes intensified soreness. A good trick is to let hot dishes cool down a bit longer than you normally would before eating.
Hang in there—it does get easier over time, and you'll soon find your own comfortable routine with food choices.
Soup's great and all, but yeah, it can feel like you're just drinking flavored water sometimes. Blending in potatoes or beans definitely helps bulk it up without breaking the bank. Pasta's a lifesaver too—overcooked ravioli was my go-to comfort food after adjustments.
"Hot foods weren't exactly painful, but they did feel uncomfortable..."
Totally relate to this. I ended up eating everything lukewarm for days. Ever tried cold pasta salads instead? Surprisingly satisfying and easy on the wallet.
Cold pasta salad's a solid suggestion, especially since you can toss in softer ingredients like avocado or mozzarella to make it easier on your mouth. I remember when my mouth felt like a war zone, I relied heavily on scrambled eggs—lukewarm, of course. They're protein-rich, budget-friendly, and you can mix in cheese or spinach for extra nutrition.
"Blending in potatoes or beans definitely helps bulk it up without breaking the bank."
Totally agree here, beans were my secret weapon too...cheap, filling, and easy to mash up if chewing's a struggle.
Scrambled eggs are a decent option, but I'd actually caution against cheese if your mouth's really irritated. Dairy can sometimes increase mucus production and make your mouth feel even more uncomfortable. Instead, you might want to try oatmeal or cream of wheat—warm, filling, and gentle on sensitive gums. You can toss in some mashed bananas or honey for flavor and extra nutrients without irritating your mouth further.
