Last night, mac and cheese felt like a safe bet... but nope, the noodles kept getting stuck everywhere.
That’s so real. I remember thinking soft pasta would be my go-to, but I swear it just found every possible crevice to hide in. I ended up spending more time rinsing my mouth than actually eating. For me, applesauce and yogurt became my best friends, especially right after adjustments when chewing felt impossible. Not the most exciting lunches, but at least they didn’t make things worse.
I actually tried the mashed potatoes-in-a-thermos idea a while back (partly because it was cheap, partly because I was desperate). It worked way better than I expected—plus, you can mix in some shredded cheese or even a bit of leftover chili if you want to make it more filling. It’s not glamorous, but it’s easy on the budget and doesn’t hurt to eat.
Wraps are great in theory, but honestly? I had to wait until things settled down a bit before I could handle even the softest tortilla. Even now, I’ll stick to PB&J on super soft bread or just make little “snack boxes” with things like cottage cheese, avocado, or banana slices. Not exactly gourmet, but it keeps me from getting hangry.
It’s wild how your food choices get so limited, especially if you’re trying to keep costs down. Pre-made “braces-friendly” snacks at the store are weirdly expensive for what you get. Homemade stuff is definitely the way to go if you can swing it.
Hang in there—it does get easier once you figure out what works for your mouth (and your wallet). The mashed potatoes trick is worth a try if you haven’t yet.
We’ve been through the same struggle at our house. My kid thought mac and cheese would be a win too, but those noodles just get stuck everywhere—total mess. Applesauce and yogurt are our go-tos for the rough days, but I also pack instant mashed potatoes in a small thermos sometimes. Not fancy, but it fills him up and doesn’t hurt. Cheese sticks are a nope for now, but soft bread sandwiches seem okay as long as I cut off the crust. It’s a lot of trial and error, honestly.
It’s a lot of trial and error, honestly.
Totally feel this. I thought soup would be an easy win, but my kid managed to spill it on everything except his mouth. Applesauce is a staple here too, and I’ve even resorted to those squeezable smoothie pouches in a pinch. Haven’t tried mashed potatoes in a thermos—might steal that idea. Funny how something as simple as bread crust can become public enemy number one. It’s exhausting, but hey, at least we’re getting creative, right?