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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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!

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!

Benefits of dental implants, from Dr. Blourchian

In the past, in order to replace a missing tooth one would automatically get a bridge. While it is still a widely performed procedure, bridges involve grinding adjacent teeth that might be healthy and would otherwise need no treatment. Implant dentistry is a conservative treatment approach that spares the adjacent teeth unnecessary dental work.

Did you know Dr. Blourchian is at the forefront of dental implant technology? As a dental healthcare provider, he believes it is his duty to keep up with advances in the field of dentistry. Dentistry has changed much within the last 10 years, and Dr. Blourchian has always been an enthusiastic participant in various continuing education courses in his professional life.

For Nashville, Franklin, and Cool Springs-area residents who have a compromised or severely damaged teeth, dental implants are the best option. Instead of spending time, money and effort trying to save a severely damaged tooth that will most likely cause problems in the future, dental implants fix the problem permanently.

There are several benefits of implant dentistry including:

--Improved appearance
--Firm and stable teeth
--Preventing destructive bone loss caused by dentures
--More comfort and ease with chewing
--Helping maintain healthy adjacent teeth

Dental implants are an excellent option for patients who want to restore their smile. For more information about implant dentistry, give us a call today!

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays from Dr. Blourchian and New Image Dentistry!

The holiday season is upon us, and as Dr. Blourchian and his team at New Image Dentistry reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for the new year? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at New Image Dentistry

An interesting article about changes in dentistry, from Dr. Blourchian

Our world is always changing and evolving, whether it’s the latest gadget you ordered online or the high-tech braces on your teeth! Recently, the team at New Image Dentistry read an article in the New York Times about dental implants, and how they are becoming increasingly favored over bridges to replace lost teeth. One thing to remember about dental implants is that they need to be cared for just like your regular teeth; daily brushing and flossing are a must!

Call us today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Blourchian to discuss your implant options.

Happy Monday!

Patient reviews for Dr. Blourchian

New Image Dentistry, serving Nashville, Franklin and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Blourchian and his team!

"Always confirms appoinments. They are on top of billing and I never have to call about mistakes. I like all the people in the office as well." ~ Robert M.

"Honest, concerned, understanding, comfortable discussing my options." ~ Margaret Y.

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

"Modern equipment and a feeling that he is current on techniques and dental developments." ~ Mark B.

"Everyone is very nice and do what they can to make you comfortable and they try to help you in what your needs are." ~ Leah P.

"The atmosphere and staff where great. I appreciated the honesty about prices and services before I made my choices. No pressure." ~ Scherra V.

Keeping You Safe This Cold & Flu Season, from Dr. Blourchian

Traditionally cold and flu season starts in Fall, but this year it seems to have started much earlier and with the number of patients canceling appointments because of flu and H1N1 symptoms New Image Dentistry is taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of germs.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our 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, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps and give us a call if you have any questions! Stay healthy!

The importance of brushing your teeth, from Dr. Blourchian

One of the things Dr. Blourchian and the team at New Image Dentistry tell patients every day is the importance of daily oral care. Whether it is brushing, flossing, or using mouthwash, good oral hygiene is important! We found an adorable video that helps illustrate our point. Check it out below and have a great week!

Dr. Blourchian wants to know: What are you up to in November?

Believe it or not, we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before you go celebrating, Dr. Blourchian and team want to know: What are you doing this month? Anything exciting happening in your life? If so, we'd love to hear all about it!

You can share your stories with us here or by giving us a call!

--The team at New Image Dentistry

Getting Married This Fall? Smile Bright at New Image Dentistry!

It’s Fall. Leaves are turning shades of orange and red, the wind is picking up and getting cooler, and pumpkin patches are full of bright orange pumpkins. Families gather together, kids head out trick-or-treating, and as always, wedding bells are ringing. That's right, Fall is one of the best times of year to tie the knot! If you are gearing up for a wedding this Fall, consider matching that white dress to a perfectly white smile!

At New Image Dentistry we offer in-office tooth whitening for the bride, the groom, or the entire wedding party! You get the girls together to get their nails done, and now you can get them together to get their teeth done!

In-office whitening is the quickest, most effective way to achieve whiter teeth. Because we are dental professionals, we have the expertise to use higher percentages of whitening agents than the at-home systems allow. So you can get a brighter white, usually in just one visit!

Give us a call and let us add some extra sparkle to your “I do”!

--Dr. Blourchian and team

Let Dr. Blourchian know how he's doing!

Whether you have visited Dr. Blourchian for a week or for years, we’d love to hear your feedback about New Image Dentistry! Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us. It only takes a moment!

You may review Dr. Blourchian here.

Thank you!

--Dr. Blourchian and team