Saturday, September 11, 2010

Smile makeovers at New Image Dentistry!

The most dramatic treatment Dr. Allen Blourchian offers at our convenient Franklin office is a smile makeover.

Using a variety of procedures, your smile can be transformed to the ideal one you have always dreamed of. We begin by listening to your desires and preferences. Next, Dr. Blourchian and our staff analyze your smile completely, including your lips, teeth, mouth, jaw line, etc.

Actual treatment takes only two appointments in a period of two weeks. Patients will be amazed at how a smile makeover can improve their appearance and self-image. For many, this treatment is a life-changing event.

If you're interested in a smile makeover, we encourage you to give us a call at 615.591.4490. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

September is National Gum Care Month! From Dr. Allen Blourchian


At New Image Dentistry, we know that gingivitis - the early stage of periodontal disease - can be difficult to recognize. Many people don't recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums, as a precursor to gum disease. This month, a national campaign is under way to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we wanted to help do our part to spread the word!

Dr. Allen Blourchian will tell you early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body, too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as your heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease.

Dr. Blourchian knows these can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position


If you happen to notice any of these signs, please schedule an appointment at our convenient Franklin office by calling (615) 591-4490 as soon as possible. Dr. Blourchian can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

We hope you're having a relaxing Labor Day weekend!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Write a review of Dr. Allen Blourchian!

Happy Friday! Whether you've visited New Image Dentistry for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about Dr. Allen Blourchian. There are lots of places on the Internet where you may share your reviews, but we'd like to direct you to our Google Local Page to write a review of us - it only takes a moment!

You may write your review here.

Thank you in advance and enjoy your weekend!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Foods for healthy gums and healthy hearts, from Dr. Blourchian


Gum disease, known also as periodontal disease, is far more common than you may think. Each year, new studies begin to link the effect gum disease can have on the heart, and we at New Image Dentistry have been helping spread the word! One of the simplest steps to achieving healthier gums can be your diet. We recently found a great article outlining several options for healthier gums. Included among the suggestions were:

*Raisins
*Green Tea
*Whole Grains


In addition to these foods being gums-friendly, they happen to be healthy foods in general, and a great option to begin integrating into your diet.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

National Smile Week at New Image Dentistry!

This week marks National Smile Week, and an ideal time to remind patients of Dr. Allen Blourchian to practice good oral hygiene to keep those teeth shining and happy! This includes brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding foods that can stain your teeth such as tea and coffee and visiting our convenient Franklin office every six months or as recommended. Remember, we serve Franklin, Cool Springs, Nashville, Spring Hills, Brentwood and all of Tennessee.

The American Dental Association, or ADA, recommends the following for good oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Tooth decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove the sticky film on teeth called plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.

• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.

• Visit New Image Dentistry on a regular basis for professional cleanings and oral exams.


Lastly, a great reason to smile is this: smiling can actually help you live longer according to a new study! Have you visited our office lately for a cleaning or checkup? If not, give us a call at (615) 591-4490 to set up an appointment! Summer is a great time for a visit!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

The importance of flossing, from New Image Dentistry


At New Image Dentistry, we hope you're not a part of the 51 percent of Americans who don’t floss daily. Or worse, we hope you're not part of the 10 percent who never floss at all. Dr. Blourchian and our staff will always tell you that proper flossing is just as important for your dental health as brushing regularly. Flossing cleans food and plaque that build up between teeth and below the gumline, key areas that brushing simply cannot reach.

Flossing 3-to-5 minutes everyday is recommended, but even 60 seconds of flossing has a great benefit over not flossing at all. Also, make sure to always brush your teeth after you floss, and to rinse with water or mouthwash. When you begin flossing you may experience gum pain or bleeding, but with daily flossing and brushing this should stop within a week or so.

On a side note, has it been at least six months since your last checkup at our office? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to schedule an appointment by calling (615) 591-4490!

We hope you're enjoying your summer! Be sure to post your summer photos on our Facebook wall!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

When should you call New Image Dentistry?


Having to deal with a dental emergency during the summer while at work or on vacation is not something people often think about. And Dr. Blourchian will always tell you that being prepared can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth. If you're facing a dental emergency this summer, we want you to call us immediately or let us know on our Facebook page. If you need urgent treatment after hours, you can call our emergency number (please ask us for the number if you haven't already done so). We are always here to assist when your dental health is at risk. Below are tips on dealing with urgent dental situations; you may want to display this list on your refrigerator or store it near your emergency phone numbers for easy reference.

Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and inspect your teeth to be sure there is nothing caught between them. If pain continues, use a cold compress to ease the pain. Do not apply heat or any kind of aspirin or topical pain reliever directly to the affected area, as this can cause damage to the gums. Schedule an appointment immediately.

Bitten Lip or Tongue: If you've bitten your lip or tongue severely enough to cause bleeding, clean the bite gently with water and use a cold compress (a cold, wet towel or washcloth pressed firmly against the area) to reduce or avoid swelling. Give us a call to help determine how serious the bite is.

Object Caught In Teeth: If you have something caught between your teeth, use dental floss to gently remove it. Never use a metal, plastic, or sharp tool to remove a stuck object. If you are unable to remove the item with dental floss, give us a call.

Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth: If you've chipped or broken a piece off of your tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water, then use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Try to locate and save the tooth fragment that broke off. Call us immediately.

Knocked Out Tooth: If your tooth has been knocked out, find the tooth and rinse it with water (no soap), taking care to only touch the crown of the tooth (the part you can see when it's in place). If you can, place the tooth back in its socket and hold it in place with a clean towel or cloth. If you can't return the tooth to its socket, place it in a clean container with milk. In either case, call us immediately and/or head to the nearest hospital. If you act quickly, it's possible to save the tooth.

Loose Tooth: If you have a loose tooth, it should be removed to avoid being swallowed or inhaled. And, you probably guessed it: give us a call.

We hope that helped you get prepared for - knock on wood - any dental emergency this summer. We hope you're having a GREAT summer so far!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Ask Dr. Blourchian: What does Invisalign® have to do with my oral health?

When considering treatment options with Dr. Allen Blourchian, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign at New Image Dentistry than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible. Besides straightening your teeth, Invisalign can improve your oral health. Here’s how Invisalign can help improve your health, while shaping your beautiful smile:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque, and gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Blourchian the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page or give us a call at 615.591.4490!

Happy Thursday,

Dr. Blourchian and team

Thursday, July 15, 2010

New Image Dentistry, helping you avoid heat exhaustion this summer



93 degrees today! With the heat wave sweeping through Nashville, Franklin and surrounding areas this summer, Dr. Blourchian and staff want you to be extra careful when you’re out and about. Last week, Good Morning America ran a segment about the many ways you can protect yourself from heat stroke and other heat-related conditions this summer. And, here are some helpful summer safety tips from our friends at WebMD.

Dr. Blourchian and our team encourage you to watch this GMA short clip and remember to always have a bottle of water handy when heading out! We hope you're having a wonderful summer.

Monday, July 5, 2010

White for Life Club at New Image Dentistry!


At our convenient Franklin location, we have a wonderful program for our patients who would like to keep their smile white and shiny for the rest of their life. For a one time fee of $99.00, Dr. Allen Blourchian and staff will make you bleaching trays and give you bleaching solution. For as long as you keep your six month appointments with us, we will refill the bleach at no other cost to you! We call this White For Life Club and invite you to join! Please give us a call at (615) 591-4490 if you are interested! We hope you had an outstanding Fourth of July weekend!!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Featured patient review for Dr. Blourchian!

For Franklin and Nashville dentist Dr. Blourchian and our entire team at New Image Dentistry, nothing speaks louder than patient reviews. One of Dr. Blourchian's patients, Pamela Wheat, recently send the doctor a card and chocolates. Her card says:

Dear Dr. "B"
I can't begin to tell you how very happy I am that I found you for my new dentist here in Tennessee. You have not only changed my confidence level in a Dentist, but you have also changed my appearance, for which I will be forever grateful.


Thank you, Pamela! We are honored to have you as a patient! Dr. Blourchian and our staff are always happy to hear from current and former patients! Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Dr. Blourchian wants to know: What are you up to this summer?


It’s summer here at New Image Dentistry!, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting America’s open roads or just having fun in the backyard, Nashville family dentist Dr. Allen Blourchian and our team want to hear all about it! Leave a comment on our Facebook fan page and tell us about your summer!

Happy Travels,

Dr. Blourchian and team

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

What do patients like most about New Image Dentistry?


Dr. Allen Blourchian and team love hearing from our current and past patients! We received a few received recently that made made us very proud of the work we do as Nashville and Franklin's leading dentistry: creating beautiful smiles.

"Very friendly, efficient, and willing to answer my questions and curiosities about dentistry!" ~ Katherine B.

"Expertise, Facilities, Staff. all excellent." ~ Byron S.

"Dr. Blourchian's location and and up-to-date technology." ~ Katherine N.

"Best dental facility I have been to. Very polite, prompt, helpful and informative." ~ Amber S.

"It is a step above what most dental offices go when trying to help patients." ~ Scherra V.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Dr. Blourchian and team, supporting National Smile Month

Our friends at the American Dental Association discovered that a person's smile was important than their eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature. After all, there's a big reason why Americans spend as much as they do each year on general and cosmetic dentistry each year: people want to look (and feel) great.

That brings us to June, also known as National Smile Month. It's a great time for Dr. Blourchian to remind all of our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to New Image Dentistry.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
* Visit Dr. Blourchian regularly (usually every six months).


If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call at (615) 591-4490. We hope you have a great weekend! Now get out there and share your smiles with Nashville!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

This Memorial Day, what are you up to? From New Image Dentistry


Memorial Day Weekend, only a day away, is a time Americans everywhere stop and remember those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom over the course of history.

Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer 2010, and for many folks in Nashville, Franklin and surrounding areas, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the office or in the classroom is sweet, sweet relief. At New Image Dentistry, we also know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s a season of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or hitting America's great open roads this weekend, we want to know all about it!

Dr. Blourchian
and our entire team at New Image Dentistry wish you a nice, safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Sedation dentistry in Nashville - Dr. Blourchian

While Dr. Blourchian and our team at New Image Dentistry strive to offer a comfortable experience for all our patients, we realize that fear or anxiety while visiting the dentist can affect a lot of patients anyway. For patients who need extra comfort and relaxation during their dental visit, we are pleased to offer sedation dentistry.

The reasons for patients' fear of the dentist can be numerous, but are usually due to a traumatic experience during their childhood. This overwhelming anxiety can cause one to avoid modern dental care, resulting in poor oral hygiene and possible mouth-related issues such as gum disease.

There are, however, some important things to note about sedation dentistry:

- Sedation dentistry is not the same as being unconscious: you will be responsive and conscious throughout the entire procedure, but in a deeply relaxed state of mind.

- Because the sedation takes some time to wear off completely, it is crucial for you to have a friend or family member with you to transport you to and from our office safely.

If you suffer from dental phobia, sedation dentistry may be the answer for you. At our Nashville suburb office, several patients have successfully completed dental treatment using this state-of-the-art and effective technology. Please give us a call at 615.261.8879 for more info about sedation industry, and we'll be more than happy to answer your questions.

Enjoy your weekend!

Friday, May 14, 2010

What do you love about New Image Dentistry?

From your very first visit to New Image Dentistry, our doctor and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Blourchian? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve visited us for the first time, or you've been a patient for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

New Image Dentistry, supporting National Physical Fitness and Sports Month


Did you know the month of May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Ronald Reagan encouraged Americans to include more physical activity into our lives, and the reminder is even more significant today as folks are distracted more and more by television, social networking and working more hours. Living an active lifestyle can and does improve physical and mental health, productivity and overall well-being. The best part? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these public health guidelines for your reference. The guidelines call for people to exercise one hour every day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At New Image Dentistry, our staff and Dr. Blourchian encourage our patients to exercise or participate in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of mouth or facial protection when doing so. To learn more about how often you should exercise, we recommend you check out these helpful tips, courtesy of our friends at the American Heart Association.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Ask Dr. Blourchian: Can I get dental implants if I have diabetes?

In short, yes.

Dr. Blourchian understands dry mouth, gum disease, delayed healing and other health issues are all special concerns for our patients with diabetes. But what are your options when infection has weakened teeth beyond repair? In many cases,
Dr. Blourchian recommends dental implants as permanent replacements for damaged teeth.

Recent studies of dental implants with diabetic patients show success rates of higher than 90 percent. In the rare case that the implant does not blend properly to the bone, Dr. Blourchian will remove and the procedure at New Image Dentistry can be repeated. While the process of implantation takes longer than conventional treatments like bridges, the strength and durability of implants make them an excellent long-term solution for your tooth replacement. If you have diabetes and have lost one or more teeth (and your diabetes is under control), you may consider implants. However, if your blood sugar is not controlled, Dr. Blourchian recommends putting off any non-emergency dental care – including implants, dentures, and bridgework – until you’ve worked with your primary care physician to control it.

Otherwise, feel free to give us a call and our staff will try to answer any diabetes-related question we can.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Are you a teeth whitening 'addict'?


In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when sparkling white teeth might be the difference between getting a job or that promotion, more and more Americans want to look and feel great. But can there be too much of a good thing when it comes to teeth whitening? Dentists everywhere are reporting a spike in patients' complaining about irritation and bleeding gums, translucent teeth and excessive teeth sensitivity, especially to cold food and drink items.

There are two main types of home teeth-whitening products, including tray-based systems, in which a tray filled with beaching solution is worn over the teeth - or whitening strips. If you're considering using a tooth whitening product containing bleaches, however, the American Dental Association recommends that you visit Dr. Blourchian at New Image Dentistry first.

We offer two types of teeth whitening procedures at Dr. Blourchian’s Franklin practice: a take-home bleaching kit and Zoom!® In-office teeth whitening. Each is designed to remove stains and discoloration on the teeth, giving patients a bright, white smile.

Give us a call and have yourself a great weekend!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Mr. Bean goes to the dentist! From Dr. Blourchian



How do you feel about a treat today? Here's a little classic dental humor for you to enjoy, from the bumbling yet lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. Our staff loved it, and know you'll get a laugh out of it as well. Enjoy "Mr. Bean Goes to the Dentist”!

If you have any other suggestions you think we should share with our patients, please let us know!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Dr. Blourchian, helping calm children's fears and anxieties about dentistry

Our staff at New Image Dentistry knows that many children have a fear of visiting the dentist. Recently, we came across a good article on helping kids overcome fears of the dentist, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Dr. Blourchian and our team excel at making children feel comfortable visiting the dentist. In fact, most of our young patients look forward to their next visit!

Has your child visited New Image Dentistry in the last six months? If not, it’s time to schedule an appointment by calling (615) 261-8879! We look forward to seeing you and have a great weekend!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Smile wide and often! From New Image Dentistry

Dr. Blourchian has some good news to report today! People with big, happy smiles may actually out-live those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study conducted at Michigan's Wayne State University.

Dr. Blourchian knew that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 players who began their baseball careers prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (wide smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were then compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through last year.

The researchers then took into account other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance. They found that players who weren't smiling died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old!

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you tried perfecting your smile by visiting Dr. Blourchian and New Image Dentistry lately? If not, give us a call today!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Ask Dr. Blourchian: what's the best advice you ever received?

There are two pieces of advice that have shaped my decision-making in dentistry and life. The first one is "WIDIOM" rule, short for "Would I Do it on Me," which sometimes clarifies sometimes complex treatment decisions in dentistry.

The next one would be the one rule I learned from my all time favorite book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Steven Covey. It is by far the most helpful book I have ever read. That rule is called "Universal Laws." It simply states that there are invisible, but easy to discover and understand laws that govern our world. They are as real and as inescapable as the laws of gravity. They govern our lives, have been there from the very beginning of time, and will be there until the end of time. We can not break these laws, we can only break ourselves against these laws.

The only sure way to achieve happiness, satisfaction and peace of mind in life is to obey these laws as we obey the law of gravity for example. We all know them: Honesty, Integrity, Fidelity, Hard Work, etc. This book and this particular law have verified and confirmed my previously vague feelings. Steven Covey has been a tremendous influence on my life, my family and my business. I highly recommend his book to everyone.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Your turn! From New Image Dentistry

Week after week, Dr. Blourchian and our staff at New Image Dentistry blog about important topics pertinent to dental care. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the field of dentistry? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Five helpful tips to avoid plaque, from Dr. Allen Blourchian



Dr. Blourchian knows Nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Let’s start with not brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is not flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to visit Dr. Blourchian is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your dentist at least twice a year, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick that candy up, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be. If you have any questions, please give Dr. Blourchian and team a call at (615) 591-4490.

Friday, March 5, 2010

At New Image Dentistry, a pursuit of excellence

At New Image Dentistry, Dr. Allen Blourchian and team make every effort to provide you with the best dental treatment possible. For us that means achieving consistently great results. There are many things that help Dr. Blourchian do that. Some of them are:

1. Using the most up to date and proven cosmetic dental technologies available
2. Spending time and resources on continuing education to stay current and relevant
3. Training our entire team on new dental techniques
4. Educating our patients about the pursuit of excellence


If you or a family member has been thinking about cosmetic dental treatment, please give us a call at (615) 591-4490. Dr. Blourchian and team look forward to seeing you.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

February is also National Children’s Dental Health Month, from Dr. Blourchian

Last week, the team at New Image Dentistry discussed February, also known in the dental world as "Heart Month." Well, did you know February is also National Children’s Dental Health Month, and Dr. Allen Blourchian is here to tell you about the need for preventative oral care in kids. For 60 Februaries, the American Dental Association, or ADA, has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. National Children's Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in 1941 in a Cleveland clinic. Forty years later, however, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Every February, Dr. Blourchian and thousands of fine dental professionals across the U.S. focus on the preventive oral care of our children. Dr. Blourchian and our staff want you to remember developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Has your child visited New Image Dentistry the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

February is American Heart Month, from New Image Dentistry

Did you know February is Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Blourchian. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to New Image Dentistry. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Blourchian says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at New Image Dentistry, please give us a call today.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Toothbrush trivia with Dr. Blourchian!

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste), from Dr. Blourchian and team:

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Monday, February 1, 2010

At New Image Dentistry, 24/7 access to your account

At New Image Dentistry, our professional team and Dr. Blourchian embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative dental treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Nashville and Franklin.

Did you know Dr. Blourchian's patients have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site? You may look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what some of our patients are saying about this service!

"It is nice to be able to slowly browse for information without worrying about wasting anyones time. This way I can be sure about what the important things I need to ask when calling." ~ Scherra V.

"It seems to me very few dentists have this sort of internet-based service. Very good." ~ Byron S.

"No call needed to update insurance state, or to confirm next appointment time." ~ Jean K.

"I am a new patient and used Sesame for the first time. I was able to easily check and confirm my appointment. It looks like a very easy site to use." ~ Earl M.

You can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at New Image Dentistry if you have any questions!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Dr. Blourchian wants to know: What do you love about our community?

New Image Dentistry, located in Franklin and serving Nashville and surrounding communities, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Blourchian and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Franklin or Nashville? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Favorite bar? Let us know!

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, we might post your response on our social networks! Or, you may give us a call!

Have a great week!

Monday, January 18, 2010

A few tips to avoid bad breath, from Dr. Blourchian

We've blogged about the effects of bad breath in the past, and today thought we'd share a few tips with you to help prevent halitosis, or bad breath. Dr. Blourchian knows bad breath can be a real downer, but he wants you to know it can be easily prevented!

Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds, making your breath smell. Recently, we read an article by Dr. Andrew Weil titled, "3 Ways to Prevent Bad Breath." He recommends the following ways to help prevent bad breath.

1. Brush your tongue: "The tongue, and especially the back of the tongue, is a warm harbor for bacteria," he writes, and recommends spending some time on your tongue during teeth brushing, "moving slowly toward the back so as not to activate your gag reflex."

2. Keep your mouth hydrated: Because a dry mouth typically leads to bad breath, eating oranges or celery, or drinking water, may help.

3. Freshen your mouth: Herbal palate cleansers (parsley, peppermint tea and cardamom seeds may do the trick). If bad breath returns, give us a call! Dr. Blourchian may diagnose any condition or concerns of the oral cavity that may be causing the problems, such as gum disease.

Happy MLK Day!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Facebook Fan Page for New Image Dentistry!



Did you know New Image Dentistry is on Facebook? Our fan page, which keeps growing each day, provides you the latest news from Dr. Blourchian and our office. We invite you to connect with us and be "in the loop" for all things New Image Dentistry.

Become a "fan" today and have a great rest of the week! From Dr. Blourchian and the entire team at Image Image Dentistry!

Monday, January 4, 2010

What puts you at ease at New Image Dentistry?

Dr. Blourchian and our team understand not everyone is thrilled to see their dentist. But we at New Image Dentistry strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about our practice that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly staff? Dr. Blourchian himself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call. And Happy New Year! We are happy to be back!