My Blog

  • Is a Loose Tooth a Lost Tooth? Not Necessarily!
    When we were small, a loose tooth wasn’t a reason to be worried. On the contrary! It was a time to celebrate: A permanent tooth on the way. A sign Read more
  • Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
    Gum disease is a common problem among adults, and one the doctor and our periodontal team see all too often. Early stages of gum disease are known as gingivitis, or Read more
  • Can Your Toothpaste Give You Healthier Gums?
    Toothpaste ads are usually all about the teeth. Cavity-fighting benefits. Whiter smiles. Reducing tooth sensitivity. But lately, we’re also hearing a lot about toothpastes which are formulated to clean, renew, Read more
  • Healthy Diet, Healthier Gums?
    Since gum disease is one of the most common adult diseases, it’s no wonder periodontists like the doctor stress the importance of prevention. Effective brushing and flossing, regular dental appointments Read more
  • How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Cleaned?
    That’s a good question! But first, we’re going to do that roundabout thing where we consider other questions before circling back to our original topic. Trust us, we’ll get there! Why Read more
  • Do We Outgrow Tooth Decay?
    Short answer: No. But, since an answer that short is hardly worth the time it took you to click on the link, allow us to explain further! We tend to think Read more
  • The Link Between Dental Hygiene and Your Overall Health
    When patients of Ryan J. Donovan, DMD, MS, PA hear any mention of oral or dental hygiene, they probably think of brushing and flossing their teeth. Although these are extremely Read more
  • Is periodontal disease contagious?
    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults age 30 and over suffer from some form of gum disease. Caused by plaque buildup, gum disease is Read more
  • What is gingivitis, and how can I treat it?
    Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that results when bacteria in your mouth cause inflammation in your gums. This is a common condition, and you can treat it Read more
  • Aging and Oral Health
    As you age, it becomes even more important to take good care of your teeth and dental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one-fourth of Read more
  • Sedation Options for Your Periodontal Procedure
    There are many understandable reasons why you might be feeling less than enthusiastic about your upcoming periodontal treatment.  Perhaps anxiety is an issue, or your teeth are extremely sensitive. You Read more
  • Xerostomia: What does that mean anyway?
    Does your mouth always feel like it’s dry? If it does you may be suffering from xerostomia. Xerostomia is defined as dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva flow. Read more
  • Foods can Wreak Havoc on Your Enamel
    It’s possible to develop tooth decay even when you take great care of your teeth. Brushing and flossing may not be enough to keep your teeth healthy, depending on your Read more
  • What is non-surgical periodontal treatment?
    Gum disease is about much more than pesky bleeding gums – it's a serious and progressive condition that, over time, can result in tooth loss, which in turn can have Read more
  • What exactly is periodontal disease?
    Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Our team at Ryan J. Donovan, DMD, MS, PA wants you to know that this common Read more
  • Pregnancy: What should I know about my oral care?
    the doctor and our team at Ryan J. Donovan, DMD, MS, PA know this is an exciting time as you anticipate the arrival of your new little one. We want Read more