Mark A. Kleive DDS Blog
Posts for the ‘Dr. Mark Kleive’ Category
Diabetes and dental care: Guide to a healthy mouth
Posted on June 2, 2010 3:22AM in Dr. Mark Kleive, Oral Health
CNN News, recently featured an article on Diabetes and dental care. The article explored the correlation between proper dental hygiene and controlled Diabetes.
It turns out, long-term health of both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics can be increased through regular, preventative measures. With high blood sugar, many factors such as tooth decay, early gum disease (gingivitis) and advanced gum disease (peritonitis) can be harder to control. From the bacteria in our mouths, to a Diabetics decreased ability to fight bacteria, regular brushing, flossing and check ups are Diabetics best defense to keep a healthy mouth and body for a lifetime.
Diabetics are encouraged to:
- Keep on top of managing blood sugar levels. By staying within the recommended blood sugar levels, you give your body optimal conditions to fight bacteria and you are less likely to develop gum disease or other oral health issues.
- Brush your teeth two times a day. Keep your teeth and gums in the best shape by brushing in the morning, at night and after meals, if possible. Electronic toothbrushes can do an excellent job of getting your teeth clean especially if you have arthritis or another condition which makes brushing well a challenge.
- Floss once a day. By flossing, you remove plaque, which is not only good for your gums, it is also good for your heart. There are many types of floss such as waxed, unwaxed, floss picks and floss holders. While flossing may hurt at first, after a few days of continual flossing, your teeth and gum will feel great!
- Get bi-yearly checkups. Nothing can substitute the eyes of a dental professional, such as Dr. Mark Kleive. A dental professional can help keep you on track with your oral heath and Diabetes, giving you the tools to ensure you have a healthy mouth today, and for the rest of your life.
For questions about Diabetes and oral health, or to learn more about Dr. Kleive’s dentistry services in Minneapolis, St.Paul, call us at 651-730-7645 or send us an email.
Read the remainder of the CNN Article.
Qualities of a Top Dentist: Value
Posted on May 11, 2010 2:52AM in Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Mark Kleive, Quality Dentistry
These days, getting good value for your money is more important than ever, and dental care is no exception. While it may seem like a challenge to balance quality of dental care with your financial needs, it’s actually easier than you may think.
Look for a dentist who places a high priority on value. Technological advancements and cutting-edge equipment add value by increasing the accuracy and longevity of dental procedures. Choose a dental environment that best suits your needs while making you feel relaxed and comfortable. Ask to see examples of their work, including before and after photos, to make sure the standard of work matches your expectations.
Also, make sure your dentist understands the importance of affordable treatment without skimping on quality or reducing the standard of care. After all, a low-quality procedure that will only need to be performed again in a few months or years is no bargain. Instead of delaying treatment due to financial restrictions, look for a dentist that offers flexible financing. After all, we finance cars and homes – why not make an investment in ourselves?
Finally, be sure to choose a dentist who will take the time to listen to your concerns and understand your needs. Take your dentist’s advice to heart, especially in regard to preventative measures.
Dr. Mark Kleive offers flexible financing options for most dental procedures. He is also renowned for his patient, personalized approach to oral health.
Finding a dentist who is committed to your oral health while understanding your personal and financial needs is certainly something to smile about!
Qualities of a Top Dentist: Ongoing Education
Posted on April 25, 2010 11:08PM in Advanced Dentistry, Continuing Education, Dr. Mark Kleive, Spear Institute
With the recent notification, that Dr. Mark Kleive will be named a Top Dentist for 2010 in Minnesota Monthly Magazine’s July edition, we’ve started thinking about what qualities make up a top dentist. Below are our thoughts.
Today, it’s more important than ever for dental professionals to stay abreast of technological advancements. The development of advanced dental materials, equipment, and procedures—as well as the increased availability of consumer dental products—make the need for advanced dental training a top priority.
While every state requires dentists to complete continuing education, you may be surprised to learn that a vast majority meet only the minimal requirements. Dr. Kleive chooses to exceed minimum requirements, in order to have a stronger grasp of the latest procedures and materials and a higher standard of service excellence.
Today’s best dentists utilize advanced dental training and techniques to transform self-conscious smiles into radiant displays, and to preserve and protect good dental health.
Ongoing education:
- Allows treatments to be faster, more accurate, and virtually pain-free.
- Trains dentists on the latest procedures and materials which help patients teeth to perform beautifully for decades, if not for a lifetime.
- Also broadens a dentist’s professional network, allowing them to tap into the expertise of other top dentists for questions or referrals.
Patients of dentists who seek advanced training have plenty of reasons to smile. Not only do they reap the rewards of the latest dental technologies and virtually pain-free procedures, they also have something that can’t be quantified: peace of mind.
Dr. Mark Kleive and his team of dental professionals have demonstrated a strong commitment to ongoing education and training. Dr. Kleive has both attended and instructed classes at Spear Education in Scottsdale, and the Pankey Institute, two of our nation’s premier post-graduate training facilities.
This higher level of knowledge has allowed his practice to provide first-rate diagnostics and treatment to patients of all ages and conditions. Learn more about Dr. Kleive, view his patient testimonials, and see before-and-after patient photos in his smile gallery.
We are proud to be named as a Minnesota Top Dentist!
Dentistry Across Generations: The Baby Boomers
Posted on April 5, 2010 4:09AM in Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Mark Kleive
(Part I of a II part series on dentistry across generations)
Baby boomers continue to have a substantial influence in today’s world, with a reputation for being smart consumers and educating themselves on topics of health, finances, and other important life choices. The generation is known for being decisive and well-informed, but one area in which they may be less inclined to take care of themselves is preventive dentistry.
Some baby boomers can take healthy teeth for granted, assuming that good dentistry early on will sustain them through the middle decades of their lives. They may underestimate the importance of ongoing preventative and restorative dental care to preserve their smile and to keep their teeth healthy and strong.
As recently as thirty years ago, it was generally assumed that people would lose their teeth as they aged.
Because of advancements in the following areas, middle aged tooth loss is less likely:
- Preventative Dentistry
- Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry
- Technology and Dental Tools
- Advanced Training and Specialization of Procedures
- Available Financing for Complex Dental Procedures
But with these advances and the new knowledge available to dentists today, that’s simply no longer the case. Baby boomers are focused on health and longevity, and modern dentistry makes it possible for them to keep their teeth as strong and healthy as the rest of their bodies. Baby boomers can live long, satisfying lives with their own teeth if they are willing to take a few precautions to avoid severe oral health problems.
The most common problem faced by aging dental patients is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. In virtually every instance, this can be prevented through good dental care practices at home and regular visits to a dentist. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about the best ways to brush, floss, and otherwise take care of your mouth. It’s also smart to ask a dental expert about any changes you may have noticed in your teeth and gums since your last checkup, so they can catch problems early when treatment is simplest and least expensive.
Other common problems for baby boomers include dry mouth, infections, cavities, tooth discoloration, and oral cancer. All of these can be treated or prevented with regular dental checkups and thorough brushing and flossing at home.
The cornerstones of good dental health into middle age and later years include:
- Proper home care: Follow your dentist’s instructions on tooth cleaning and oral health to the best of your ability. Most people don’t properly brush or floss to remove dirt, bacteria, and plaque. If you’re uncertain of the best dental practices, ask your dentist or hygienist for a demonstration.
- Healthy lifestyle and diet: Second in importance only to good dental hygiene, diet and lifestyle can have a major impact on the health of your teeth. What you eat, when you eat it, and how your day-to-day routine are all important factors in the long-term health of your teeth and gums.
- Regular dental checkups: Seeing a dentist on a regular basis is the best way to preserve the health and longevity of your teeth. Catching problems early on before they develop into bigger ones can save substantially on dental expenses. Annual dental exams are important for everyone, regardless of age or the condition of the teeth. Any changes in your oral health, from sores and swelling to tooth discoloration or pain, should be brought to the attention of your dentist.
With modern technology and today’s advances in dental hygiene, it’s possible for baby boomers to keep their own teeth healthy and strong for the rest of their lives. At the office of Dr. Mark Kleive, we’re committed to helping patients of all ages maintain healthy, beautiful smiles that are both appealing and functional. Contact us at (651) 730-7645 to schedule a no-fee consultation or send us an email today.
Dr. Mark Kleive – Top Dentist – three years in a row!
Posted on July 8, 2009 5:45AM in Dr. Mark Kleive
MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA –
Minneapolis, MN Dentist, Dr. Mark Kleive recently earned two awards that have placed him among Minnesota’s top dental professionals for the second and third consecutive year. These distinctions were selectively handed out to highly skilled and patient-oriented dentists across the state. Dr. Mark Kleive was 
named:
Mpls/St. Paul Magazine Top Dentist, 3rd year in a row.
MN Monthly Magazine Top Dentist, 2nd year in a row.
“While I am very proud to have been named a Top Dentist in both venues, my patients and my team are what make my practice special,” Kleive said. “We work hard to create the type of atmosphere where patients are treated like part of the team and enjoy being involved in their own treatment.”
Vicki is the dental assistant at Dr. Kleive’s office. She said she is pleased Dr. Kleive is being recognized for his efforts.
“I’ve seen other dental offices where patient care isn’t the number one priority, and patients can tell,” she said. “Being a Top Dentist isn’t just an award, it is something Dr. Kleive does every day.”
MN Top Dentist Awards are based on nominations around Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. Around 3000 dental professionals, hygienists and dentists alike, get to vote on which dentists they think deserve the honor. The peer voting system ensures the awards aren’t handed out to the biggest practices with the largest patient base.
“Our practice is small by design,” Kleive said. “Having a small practice means we can make more time for
our patients and ensure they aren’t rushed at any point.”
Dr. Mark Kleive graduated with distinction from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and maintains a teaching affiliation at his alma mater. He is also a visiting faculty member at the Pankey Institute and Spear Education, the premier facilities for post-graduate dental education. He enjoys giving back to the community as well as his profession. You can read more about his advanced training by visiting our website.
If you have further questions, feel free to contact us at (651) 730-7645, send us an email.
Transitions
Posted on April 21, 2008 11:09AM in Dr. Mark Kleive
“Nothing is secure but life, transition, the energizing spirit.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
In the past year there have been exciting transitions happening both professionally and personally for me and my first entry into the world of blogging will attempt to describe them.
This Spring our practice celebrated the completion of a redesign to our facility with updates to both the interior and exterior facade. With these updates we are now able to provide an environment that is more consistent with our level of comprehensive, health-orientated dental services. Our patients, unanimously in fact, have commented on how it has changed their perception of what a dental office can “feel” like – warm, relaxing colors and more open spaces. I give special thanks to my team members, Vicki and Shannon, for putting up with all of the behind-the-scenes work and to our patients who endured the transition by sometimes entering through the back door!
We have also begun a new marketing initiative to improve our visibility in the greater Saint Paul dental community. We are specifically targeting those who desire something different from their dental care experience – specifically:
1) control – they want to explore what is possible but still be in control of the process
2) timing – they would like their dentistry to be planned and accomplished over time
3) safety – they desire an experience that it is easier than they thought it was going to be particularly because we listen to them
4) investment – they want to know that they aren’t going to be “sold” something but can “invest” in their overall health.
5) naturally beautiful – they want their dentistry to look and feel natural
6) expertise – they want a technical excellence
Our new website (http://www.markdds.com/) is the centerpiece of this initiative. We are particularly pleased to highlight our Smile Gallery with photography and personal stories. Check it out! Please keep an eye out for our external marketing efforts as well. Of course our most valuable marketing is experienced with your ability to share your experience of our practice with your friends and family members.
On the personal side my wife, Nicki, and I are pleased to announce the birth of identical twin girls, Megan and Emily on April 4th. Naturally we’re all working hard to get to know each other. I never imaged that I could be so thrilled with interrupted sleep! I did had some previous experience with newborns but, because they are my own, I’ve learned that I now feel much more responsible. I know it will be a memorable journey. In addition I have been humbled by the shear volume of messages of congratulations and support that have come from the members of our practice. I thank all of you.
I guess the question I wonder is – What transitions are you experiencing and what are you learning from them?
I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading my first blog entry. Please continue to look at future blog entries as resources for new insights and information into the world of the Mark A. Kleive DDS practice.
Visit us at www.markdds.com
