Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/02/2013 -- The flu can negatively impact not just your overall health, but also your dental health. The dentist at Glenwood Smiles in Raleigh, NC offers the following tips to patients to help them keep their smiles healthy and bright throughout flu season.

When your body is fighting off a cold, the last thing you typically want to do is floss. However, it has been shown that keeping a regular dental hygiene routine while sick can help fight off germs and make you feel better overall.

It is also important to drink plenty of water. The flu often causes dry mouth because as your nose gets stuffy, you end up breathing through your mouth. Many medicines used to treat the flu can also have side effects like dry mouth. Some antibiotics have even been shown to yellow teeth. Always check the side effects listed with each medicine or ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Our Raleigh dentist has already repeatedly preached the dental hazards of drinking soda, but it continues to be important even while sick. Ginger ale might sound like a great choice for soothing an upset stomach, but water or green tea can work even better, and with the added benefit that it will not do any harm to your enamel like soda will.

Last but not least, our dentist wants to remind everyone to always replace your toothbrush after you have been sick. The last thing you want after you have recovered from the flu is to get reinfected!

About Glenwood Smiles
Glenwood Smiles is a family dental office in Raleigh, NC. They provide dental services such as cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, orthodontics, as well as annual cleanings and checkups. They are well known for their expert work providing 6 month braces, fun dental office atmosphere, and convenient location on Glenwood Ave, downtown Raleigh. For more information please visit http://www.glenwoodsmiles.com