Food for the Braces

Chinese Congee - soupy and very soft rice topped with: fried tofu cubes, crisped-browned-minced garlic, onion leaf rings, and sliced century eggs (Photo by tednmiki at flickr)

Are you wondering what food to feed someone, who just had her teeth tortured by a monster dentist? I shall recommend a bowl of warm Chinese Congee. Actually, the idea is courtesy of my eldest daughter. She made the special request for the popular Chinese dish right after we got out of the dentist’s clinic.

We were both busted due to lack of sleep the night before so we made a beeline towards the nearest Chinese fastfood restaurant. Much to our dismay, the famous Congee is not available anymore even though it’s still early evening yet. Maybe because it was the Sunday before Holy Week officially starts.

That morning, my whole family went to church to attend mass. We seldom do this kind of ‘together’ thing so we’re all excited even when the budget is very tight. We just walked the short distance to save money so that we could afford to eat ‘out.’ We had wanton noodle soup, sauteed canton noodle, chao fan, and a big glass of sweet preserved fruits on milky shaved ice.

The appointment to the dentist later that day had completely gone out of my mind so I’m not prepared. Usually, I buy ingredients for homemade chao fan or macaroni soup. I always try to cook soft foods that my daughter’s braced teeth can tolerate after a dental visit.

Due to Congee’s unavailability, we ended in another eating place where foods are cheaper. Thankfully, we were able to buy a dish that resembles Congee. I knew it didn’t taste delicious but my daughter ate it with gusto. She’s always like this when stressed.

Dental braces are pure torture but they are necessary for personality improvement. About 8 weeks ago, her teeth look monstrous so she seldom smiles. Lately, even when it’s sometimes painful, my daughter was smiling a lot. Thanks to our monster dentist.