At Blue Heron Dentistry, we believe dental health is an important factor in overall good health. In addition to providing general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, we take great care in educating patients on the connection between periodontal diseaseand overall cardiac health. Communication between patients, staff, and Dr. Maze is a priority, as well as the desire to teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene at home.
Blue Heron Dentistry breaks the mold of the typical dental office by offering the most advanced technology, facility and dental techniques in the industry. Home toDr. Heather L. Maze, Blue Heron Dentistry is an inspiration from the areas beloved bird, the Great Blue Heron.
Just as the Blue Heron is known for its vision, Blue Heron Dentistrys vision is to develop lifelong relationships with patients. We evaluate patients expectations of dentistry, then strive to deliver optimal care from gentle hands. Our vision is to help patients achieve the highest level of oral health available in dentistry.
She decided on dentistry as a career in middle school, after having experienced wearing braces. She took college prep classes in high school, and attended Muskingum University, receiving her BS in Biology. At Muskingum, Dr. Maze took prep courses for dental school, and attended The College of Dentistry at The Ohio State University.
Dr. Maze began her career at the Stark County Health Department as well as working with a practice in Medina, Ohio where she resides with her family. In 1999, Dr. Maze met Dr. MacKay. Upon discovering they shared the same ethical and philosophic beliefs, they became partners. Dr. Maze took over the practice upon Dr. MacKays retirement.
Upon graduation from Dental school, Dr. Maze re-united with a high school friend, Chris, who later became her partner in marriage for life. Together they have three sons, Matthew, Joshua and David.Dr. Maze loves to travel and spend time with her family. When time allows she likes to scrapbook. Health and wellness are important to her so she makes it a priority to exercise and eat right. She enjoys reading to help her in both personal and spiritual growth. Dr. Maze and her family are actively involved in their church family. In 2012, Dr. Maze and her husband went on a mission trip to Haiti, providing dental care for over 200 Haitians.
I have had the best dental care at this office since I started there 11 years ago. My gums are healthy, my smile is great and, unlike with my previous dentist, her work has lasted. Dr. Maze also has an interest in the effect of dental health on medical health especially heart disease, and as a physician, I appreciate this. She also sits and talks to me like I am a member of the family, and it is a nice personal experience to go there
Experience complete dental care in a spa-like setting, where you can relax and receive high-level treatments, screenings and guidance to maintain optimal health. Dont have dental insurance? Dont worry.Join the Club!
Everything in your body is linked, so what your saliva says about your health might surprise you. Every day, your body produces roughly 50 ounces of saliva. But you probably dont give your spit much thought, even though it plays a vital role in your health.
For one thing, saliva is a natural mouth disinfectant, says American Dental Association spokesperson Kimberly Harms, DDS. It helps maintain the health of your gums, prevent tooth decay, and wash away food particles, and it provides disease-fighting substances to prevent cavities and other infections, she says.
It may be your meds. Over 300 medications, like decongestants and antihistamines, cause dry mouth as a side effect, Harms says. Desert mouth tends to spring up as you age and health concerns force you to take more medication, she adds. If youre taking something and notice youre parched, be extra vigilant about your dental hygiene to avoid cavities, Harms says. Floss daily, brush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste twice a day, and see your dentist for regular checkups.
2. White & Clumpy You may have an oral infection. Thecandida albicans fungus can cause a yeast infection in your mouth, which is called thrush, Harms says. While thrush is rare in healthy adults, people who have diabetes may be especially vulnerable since sugars in the saliva can lead to yeast growth. Your doctor can prescribe an antifungal medication that you swish in your mouth to clear up the infection. (Dry mouth can also cause clumpiness.)
3. RNA Diagnostics Like a window to your insides, saliva tests can provide a ton of information about your genetic makeup and hormones. From diabetes to cancer, saliva holds promise as a diagnostic tool for diseases, much like a vial of your blood, suggests research published inClinical Chemistry. A spit test can also assess your levels of hormones like melatonin,shows researchfrom Northwestern University. That could provide doctors insight into your bodys circadian rhythms, and so help them make better sleeping, eating, and weight loss recommendations.
4. Too Acidic You cant really taste the difference, but your mouth likes to be at or near a neutral pH (around 7), says Israel Kleinberg, DDS, PhD, a professor and division director in the Department of Oral Biology and Pathology at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. A dentist can quickly assess your pH with a spit strip or solution. If your pH is off, bacteria can multiply in the cozy nooks and crannies of your teeth. Acidic saliva can also erode your teeth and cause cavities, Kleinberg says. Eating foods rich in arginine, like red meat or poultry, can lower your salivas acidity. Kleinberg also recommends arginine-basedBasicBites Soft Chews, which he helped develop. (Looking to balance your bodys acidic leaning? Then tryThe Good Gut Dietto get a good bacteria balance.)
You may be prego. Pregnant women tend to produce more saliva,research shows. This may be due to changing hormones or just be a side effect of feeling nauseated. There are no real risks, apart from potentially spitting at your friends when you talk. (In severe cases, some women have to spit the excess saliva into cups.) Popping a piece of gum or hard candy may help you swallow all that extra spit.
You may have acid reflux. This condition can allow stomach acid to bubble up into your throat, producing that telltale icky flavor. Apart from a sour taste in your mouth and throat, the most common symptom of reflux is heartburn. You may also notice issues like bad breath or nausea. If your doctor diagnoses reflux, he or she may suggest lifestyle changes like losing weight or skipping greasy and spicy foods.
7. Tacky Tongue You may be a mouth breather. Inhaling and exhaling through your nose is the best way to keep your mouth happily hydrated. Since saliva is your mouths natural disinfectant, without it, bacteria and cavities thrive, Harms says. A study inGeneral Dentistry also found that, in kids and adults, mouth breathing can point to health issues like sleep apnea. If you think mouth breathing is an issue, mention it to your dentist or doctor during your next visit.