BRUSH
Keeping It Clean

Noodles are a boon to most orthodontic patients, notwithstanding my niece who managed to weave a spaghetti strand into her braces and got it stuck there (editor's note: I'm sure she used her rubber tip to work it free — she knew better than to use her fingers!).

Those of us who have become practiced in the art of providing food for our metal-mouthed family members try to make foods that look a little different so that no one feels deprived or bored by their food choices. Although you could use your old standby, why not try rice noodles? You'll find them in oriental grocery stores and in some well-stocked supermarkets.

Just soak the rice noodles in hot water for two to ten minutes, then throw them into your soups, stir frys and stews. They absorb more liquid than other pastas, which mean that they absorb more flavor and are great to use with a low-fat meal.