Presidents' Day Fun Facts!

Monday, Feb. 20 marks Presidents’ Day, a day known for celebrating of both George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s combined Birthdays. Presidents’ Day was created in 1971, when President Richard Nixon combined the birthdays of two of our most well-known presidents into one single federal holiday. Presidents' Day also marks a hard-earned day off from work and school for a lot of our patients at Ferry Orthodontics. 

Here are a few fun facts about our nation’s presidents:

*Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, carried letters, bills and notes in his tall stovepipe hat.

*George Washington is the first president to be featured on a postage stamp.

*Ronald Reagan, our 40th president, broke the so-called "20-year curse," in which every president elected in a year ending in zero died in office.

*Abraham Lincoln was the tallest of the U.S. presidents, measuring 6’ 4” tall.

*Virginia is the birthplace of more United States presidents than any other state, followed by Ohio and Massachusetts.

*Harry S. Truman was the first president to have his Inauguration and speeches televised.

Ask Dr. Ferry: “How do I prevent tooth decay during my treatment?”

Great question! If you are brushing and flossing daily during your orthodontic treatment with Drs. Michael and Edward Ferry, we think that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment. Tooth decay, which is caused by sugars left in your mouth, can turn into an acid, which in turn can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay because adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines, combined with regular dental visits, help keep tooth decay away. If you have any questions, please be sure to keep ask Drs. Michael and Edward Ferry or our team during your next adjustment appointment, or ask us on Facebook!

Regular checkups and your oral health

Are you brushing and flossing daily during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Ferry Orthodontics, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the greater Cranston and Wakefield area!

Cold season is here, from Ferry Orthodontics

Cold and flu season is here - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Michael Ferry and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Wakefield, RI office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Ferry Orthodontics, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay healthy!

The benefits of fluoride, from Ferry Orthodontics

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment at Ferry Orthodontics. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist or orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

What are patients saying about Ferry Orthodontics?

Ferry Orthodontics, serving Cranston, Wakefield and the surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Mike Ferry and team!

“Dr. Mike took the time to put my daughter at ease, not only by explaining what would happen at the appointment, but also by giving her the time to explain her history and give her thoughts.” -- Gwenyth

“I cannot begin to express how wonderful we have been treated throughout many years with Ferry Ortho. I miss the senior Dr. Ferry and hope he is in good health and enjoying retirement. Dr. M. Ferry and Kim are terrific also!” -- Karen

“ Dr. Ferry and his staff are AWESOME!!! Also, that photo scavenger hunt idea is going to be fun. :)” -- Hillevi

“At this point in time I feel the office is doing an excellent job; makes me think that this is what service used to be like decades ago and I wish more offices would come back to this. Really like the latest office contest, very nice idea and motivator.” -- Grant

“You rock!” -- Jack

Thank you for all of the kind words. Personalized care is the number one priority at our office. We make sure that all of our patients are seen by Dr. Ferry at each visit, and he is always available for any questions or concerns that you may have. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

How to freshen your breath, with Ferry Orthodontics

Dr. Michael Ferry, your Cranston and Wakefield orthodontist, recognize that many of our patients are concerned about bad breath, or halitosis. While some cases of bad breath are persistent (chronic bad breath), generally bad breath is transient, and can be prevented.

We recently came across this helpful video about bad breath and thought it was worth sharing with our patients. The video explains what might cause bad breath and some ways that it can be avoided. In most instances, bad breath can be prevented by practicing common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard us emphasize during a visit to Ferry Orthodontics, such as brushing and flossing daily. We encourage you to watch this video for additional tips on how to keep bad breath at bay. Enjoy!