Eating is at the Heart of Life | Memories of Orthodontic Treatment

I underwent orthodontic treatment when I was quite an adult. Sometimes, while eating, I suddenly remember those days.

Wires were attached to the outside of my teeth the whole time. Although I had decided to "do my best," everything about eating was unexpected.

Kitchen shears became my partner during meals. It was routine to cut everything into small pieces before putting it in my mouth. I avoided biting things with my front teeth, as it felt somehow scary.

Even so, there were things that were difficult to eat.

Mushrooms, konjac, and noodles that would bounce back when chewed. Vegetables with fibers that wouldn't cut easily, and bread that wouldn't break down in my mouth. Or meat that was too thick to bite through.

I kept my distance from mochi and dango for a while. Just thinking about them made them seem formidable, and I didn't feel I could stand a chance against them.

On top of that, hot things affected the appliances, and I was afraid the wires would come off if I ate hard things. I also naturally stopped reaching for sweets, worrying about cavities.

When preparing meals, I would sometimes think about the future, telling myself, "This is a rehearsal for when my chewing strength weakens."

That said, searching for foods that would help me while undergoing treatment was like a science project and was interesting.

Soft rice, tofu, egg dishes, and stews. For meat dishes, I often used ground meat.
Every time the number of things I could eat increased, the joy of "eating" returned.

Before she passed away, my mother used to say this.
Eating is living. Preparing meals is a hassle, including the prep work, but we do it to live.
Perhaps because I was in that situation at the time, those words really sank in.

Even while struggling with meals, I was happy that my teeth were moving little by little. There were times I walked a lot, as if to boost my metabolism.

During the treatment, I was always dealing with a dull ache. My chewing strength must have been much weaker than usual.
I laugh at the photo on my My Number card taken back then because I look like a different person. My cheeks were too sunken.

I started orthodontic treatment in my late 40s. It felt long... and it was long.

It was a period when my physical condition had its ups and downs, but I think I was really patient and kept at it. By putting it into words like this now, I think I've been able to properly praise myself for it.

Back then, when eating was at the center of my life, and even now, I still like my rice on the softer side.