Floss & Flourish: A Mission for Healthier Smiles

Hi everyone! My name is Zaria, and I’m honored to be competing for the title of the 2024-25 Miss Black and Gold with the Mu Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Emory University.

I am a junior majoring in Environmental Science on the pre-dental track, passionate about bridging the gap in oral health disparities—especially in minority communities, where issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss are disproportionately high. What many don’t realize is that oral health isn’t just about having a nice smile—it’s directly connected to heart disease, diabetes, and overall well-being. That’s why I created Floss & Flourish, a platform dedicated to spreading awareness, increasing accessibility, and making dental care a priority for all.

Why Floss & Flourish Matters:

Did you know?

- 1 in 5 children in low-income communities have untreated cavities.

- Gum disease increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

- Many minority communities lack access to affordable dental care, leading to long-term health issues.

Floss & Flourish aims to change this by:

✅ Providing dental care kits to those in need

✅ Educating communities on proper oral hygiene and disease prevention

✅ Advocating for better access to dental resources

How You Can Help

Competing in the Miss Black and Gold Pageant is more than just a title for me—it’s an opportunity to use my voice, platform, and passion to create real change. Your support will not only help me along this journey, but it will also fund initiatives under Floss & Flourish, ensuring that more people have the tools and knowledge to maintain healthier smiles.

Every donation, big or small, helps:

- Fund dental care packages

- Support educational workshops

- Expand outreach efforts to underserved communities

With your generosity, we can make oral health a priority, not a privilege. Let’s create brighter smiles and healthier futures, together.

Thank you for your support!

With gratitude,

Zaria Montgomery