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The Power of Flossing: Insights from Dr. Esha Persad, Seminole Dentist

News Provided by ACCESS Newswire2025-02-28

SEMINOLE, FL / ACCESS Newswire / February 27, 2025 /While most people acknowledge the importance of brushing their teeth daily, the habit of flossing often takes a back seat in oral hygiene routines. Seminole-based dentist Dr. Esha Persad, DDS, a leading expert in comprehensive dental care, sheds light on why flossing is an indispensable component of maintaining not only oral health but overall well-being. Known for her patient-focused approach and dedication to community health education, Dr. Persad breaks down the lasting benefits of flossing, how to do it correctly, and why it matters more than many realize.

Meet Dr. Esha Persad

Dr. Esha Persad 's impressive career began with a foundation in education that spans two continents. After earning her Bachelor 's degree at the prestigious Oxford Dental College in India, she pursued advanced training in dental surgery at the University of Colorado. This global educational experience informs her multifaceted approach to dentistry.

Dr. Persad 's commitment extends well beyond the dental office. Her passion for patient education and community service has led her to participate in numerous outreach programs aimed at underserved communities. Whether providing free dental services or sharing her knowledge to promote oral health awareness, Dr. Persad is deeply invested in helping others improve their overall well-being through healthy habits.

Now, as part of the team at Monticciolo Family and Sedation Dentistry, Dr. Esha Persad delivers advanced care with a special focus on ensuring a comfortable experience for her patients. Her leadership in adopting advanced technology and optimizing patient care strategies consistently brings top-notch results, keeping patient satisfaction as her highest priority. And one of the key components of her message to her patients is the underestimated power of flossing.

Flossing Complements Brushing

Flossing is not just a tool for removing food trapped between teeth; it 's a powerful ally in tackling plaque and bacteria that brushing alone may miss. Dr. Persad explains, "Brushing your teeth is crucial, but it only cleans the visible surfaces. Flossing takes care of the tight spaces between teeth where plaque buildup occurs and where toothbrush bristles simply can 't reach."

She highlights that each tooth has five surfaces, and neglecting to floss leaves two of those unaddressed. Improper cleaning in these zones can lead to plaque hardening into tartar, which causes a host of dental issues such as cavities, gum inflammation, and eventually tooth loss. "Think of flossing as an integral partner to brushing," Dr. Persad notes. "Together, they provide the thorough cleaning your teeth need to avoid long-term complications."

A Defense Against Gum Disease

One of the most notable advantages of flossing is its ability to prevent gum disease, a condition that often develops silently. According to Dr. Esha Persad, gum disease begins with gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial buildup. Early symptoms are relatively mild, including swelling or slight bleeding during brushing. However, if neglected, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that jeopardizes the support structure of your teeth.

Daily flossing combats this progression by reducing plaque and harmful bacterial levels. Beyond oral health, Dr. Persad emphasizes that gum disease has systemic implications. Studies have linked untreated gum disease to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions due to heightened inflammation in the body. "Flossing may seem simple, but it plays a significant role in maintaining your body 's overall health," she affirms.

Banishing Bad Breath

Another overlooked benefit of flossing is its impact on fresh breath. According to Dr. Esha Persad, halitosis (bad breath) is often caused by lingering food particles and bacteria trapped between teeth. Regular flossing addresses these culprits, effectively reducing odors and leaving the mouth cleaner and fresher.

"Sometimes, bad breath is blamed on the wrong factors, such as diet, when the real issue lies in poor cleaning practices," Dr. Persad points out. This daily habit is both an easy and effective measure to avoid awkward conversations or the discomfort of social interactions tied to bad breath.

Mastering Proper Flossing Techniques

Flossing delivers significant benefits, but to achieve them, it must be done correctly. Dr. Esha Persad outlines a proper technique to maximize its effectiveness. Using the right amount of floss, typically 18 inches, ensures you have enough clean floss for every tooth. Gently sliding the floss between teeth in a back-and-forth motion prevents gum damage, while curving it into a "C" shape around each tooth ensures the floss cleans as much surface area as possible.

Equally important is replacing the floss for each tooth to avoid introducing debris back into the mouth. For those who find traditional floss cumbersome, Dr. Persad suggests alternatives like water flossers or pre-threaded floss picks, which can make the process quicker and easier without compromising effectiveness.

Building a Routine

Dr. Esha Persad recommends flossing at least once a day, ideally before bedtime. "At the end of the day, you want to remove everything your teeth have accumulated-whether it 's plaque, debris, or bacteria. Flossing before bed ensures your mouth stays as clean as possible while you sleep," she explains.

Combining this practice with twice-daily brushing and regular dental check-ups creates a robust oral hygiene routine. Dr. Persad also encourages her patients to view flossing as a long-term investment, much like healthy eating or regular exercise. By prioritizing this small daily habit, individuals can avoid more complex dental procedures down the line.

Connecting Oral and Overall Health

For Dr. Persad, flossing goes beyond maintaining clean teeth; it is integral to overall health. Systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes are increasingly linked to oral health through the body 's inflammatory response to bacteria in the gums. By flossing regularly, individuals may lower inflammation in their bodies more broadly, promoting better health on multiple levels.

Dr. Esha Persad highlights the simplicity of this practice as an added advantage. "Flossing takes just a few minutes, yet the health benefits it brings can last a lifetime," she says.

Empowering Patients Through Education

Dr. Persad 's approach to dental care has always been rooted in a desire to empower her patients through education. She uses every interaction-whether during an in-clinic visit or a community outreach event-as an opportunity to highlight preventive measures like flossing.

"Patients sometimes feel that maintaining oral health is difficult or overwhelming, but our goal is to make it approachable," Dr. Persad shares. By emphasizing the fundamental role of flossing and other daily habits, her mission is to help patients create sustainable routines that lead to healthier smiles and overall well-being.

A Simple Habit with a Powerful Impact

Flossing may not always take center stage in discussions about health, but its impact is far-reaching. From preventing gum disease and reducing the risk of systemic health issues to improving breath and saving on costly procedures, this small daily habit packs a significant punch.

Through her expertise and passionate advocacy, Dr. Esha Persad reminds us that staying healthy doesn 't always require grand gestures. Sometimes, real impact lies in the simplest of daily choices-choices like taking a few minutes to floss.