Caring for your teeth and braces.

Brush at least twice daily for two minutes with gentle circular motions, cleaning plaque from your gums and gumline. Good brushing prevents staining, plaque build-up and cavities — and clean braces are less likely to break.

Manual toothbrush: relies on your technique; affordable, simple and effective with proper habits.

Sonic toothbrush: rapid vibrations remove more plaque and reach tight spaces for a deeper clean, and help prevent staining. We like the Sonicare 4100 — well priced, with everything you need.

Water flossers (such as Waterpik) use a gentle stream to clean between teeth and around braces, removing plaque and food.

String floss removes plaque and food between teeth and under wires. It’s essential during orthodontics to protect gums and prevent cavities.

Daily fluoride rinses strengthen enamel, protect against cavities and reduce the risk of white spots throughout treatment.

These foods are gentle on braces, easy to chew and less likely to cause breakage.

• Soft fruits and vegetables: bananas, blueberries, steamed carrots, cooked broccoli
• Dairy: yogurt, cheese, milkshakes, smoothies
• Soft grains: pasta, rice, pancakes, tortillas
• Tender proteins: eggs, fish, shredded chicken, meatballs
• Snacks and treats: soft cookies, applesauce, pudding, ice cream without nuts

These can bend wires, pop off brackets, or get stuck and make cleaning difficult.

• Hard foods: nuts, hard candies, raw carrots, popcorn kernels
• Sticky foods: caramel, taffy, chewing gum
• Crunchy foods: chips, pretzels, ice
• Foods you bite into with force: whole apples, corn on the cob, crusty rolls

• Cut crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples or carrots into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Choose softer alternatives when possible.
• Brush and floss carefully after meals.

If something breaks, call your office: North Arlington 201-991-4447 or Jersey City 201-940-1555.