I basically became a mashed potato connoisseur. Apples? Forget it.
This made me laugh because I’m right there with you—mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs were my lifeline when my teeth started shifting around. Did you ever try those protein shakes? I found them weirdly filling, but honestly, nothing beats warm soup on the sore days. I still miss biting into a crunchy apple though... Did you notice any foods that actually made things worse? For me, even soft bread sometimes felt like chewing rubber.
For me, even soft bread sometimes felt like chewing rubber.
That’s funny because I had the exact opposite with bread—it was one of the few things that didn’t bother me, but rice? Total nightmare. It would get stuck everywhere and made my gums feel even more sensitive. I did try protein shakes (the vanilla ones), but they left this weird aftertaste. Did you ever find a brand that actually tasted decent?
I get what you mean about missing crunchy stuff. The first time I tried to eat a carrot after my teeth started moving, it was like biting into a brick wall. I’m curious, did you ever try those silicone mouth guards at night? I read somewhere they can help with soreness, but I’ve been hesitant.
Honestly, it’s kind of comforting knowing I’m not the only one who feels like eating is a weird obstacle course right now. Hang in there—it does get better, even if it’s slow.
The first time I tried to eat a carrot after my teeth started moving, it was like biting into a brick wall.
Totally relate to the carrot thing—mine basically crumbled, and I had to abandon ship. I actually did try one of those silicone mouth guards, but honestly, I kept waking up convinced I'd swallowed it. Not sure if it helped much, but it didn’t make things worse either. Eating is such a weird game of trial and error now... I miss snacking without thinking twice.
Eating is such a weird game of trial and error now... I miss snacking without thinking twice.
That trial and error part really hits home. Had a patient once who tried to eat an apple after their teeth started shifting—said it felt like biting into gravel. I’ve personally had to rethink crunchy foods too, and oddly enough, soft bread gave me more trouble than expected... it just sort of stuck everywhere. Funny how the foods you least expect suddenly become the trickiest.
Totally relate to the “biting into gravel” thing—tried to eat a carrot stick one day and it was like my teeth were all protesting at once. I always thought apples and chips would be the worst, but honestly, even things like pizza crust or bagels have become a weird minefield for me. Never expected soft bread to be such a hassle either… it just sort of glues itself around the brackets and wires, and then I’m stuck awkwardly trying to swish water around in my mouth in public.
I get super anxious before meals now, especially when I’m out with friends. I’ll stare at the menu for ages trying to figure out what’s safe, but sometimes even “safe” foods end up being tricky. Once tried scrambled eggs thinking they’d be easy, but bits got wedged everywhere. Not painful, just really uncomfortable.
Has anyone else noticed their teeth feeling looser at certain times of day? Mine seem wobbliest in the mornings, like they’re still figuring out where they belong. By afternoon it’s not as bad, but I’m still nervous eating anything that isn’t basically mush. Is that normal? My ortho said some movement is expected, but it’s hard not to worry that something’s gone wrong.
Also—random question—does anyone have tips for cleaning after eating stuff like bread or pasta? Feels like no matter how careful I am, there’s always something stuck. Water picks help a bit but don’t always do the trick.
It’s kind of comforting knowing other people are dealing with this too… makes me feel slightly less paranoid about every little twinge or wobble.
