Staying Healthy Through Seasonal Shifts: Beyond the Basics
As summer fades into autumn, many of us find ourselves adjusting to new routines, shorter days, and yes… the cycle of seasonal sniffles. You’ve probably heard the same advice year after year: wash your hands, get plenty of sleep, eat well, and drink fluids. While those tips are important, there are some powerful, less-talked-about ways to protect your oral health and your overall wellness during seasonal changes.
At Lotus Dental Wellness in Lake Oswego, we believe in whole-body, holistic care that starts with your mouth and extends through every system of the body. Here are some fresh, practical strategies to stay strong this season.
Breathe Smarter
One of the simplest but most overlooked wellness habits? Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
Nasal breathing warms and filters the air, adds moisture, and even produces nitric oxide, an important molecule that helps your body fight bacteria and viruses. Mouth breathing, especially at night, can dry the mouth, increase risk for cavities and gum disease, and leave you more vulnerable to illness.
Keep Inflammation Low
Many seasonal illnesses don’t just come from germs they come from how your body reacts. Chronic, low-grade inflammation is a silent stressor that lowers immunity and begins in places like the gums. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and fatigue. Eating anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, wild-caught salmon, and green tea, along with stress management practices, can make a real difference.
Hydrate Wisely
Hydration is about more than drinking water, it’s about how you hydrate. Proper hydration supports saliva flow, which protects your teeth and gums by washing away harmful bacteria. For an extra wellness upgrade, use a filtered water system like Multipure to remove contaminants that can impact your health. Adding trace minerals or magnesium to your water helps with absorption and supports strong teeth and bones. Herbal teas, warm lemon water, and mineral broths are also great seasonal choices.
Vitamin D, K2, and Magnesium: The Trio of Wellness
Vitamin D is well known for supporting immunity and bone strength, but it doesn’t work alone. To fully absorb and direct calcium where it belongs (your bones and teeth not soft tissues), you also need Vitamin K2. And here’s a piece many people miss: magnesium is essential for activating Vitamin D. Together, this trio is a foundation for not only immune resilience but also strong enamel, jawbone health, and overall vitality.
Oral Health: Your First Line of Defense
When it comes to preventing seasonal sickness, don’t forget your mouth. Cavities, gum infections, or unresolved dental issues can create stress on your immune system and make it harder to fight off seasonal bugs. Staying on top of oral health through brushing twice daily, flossing, and using a biocompatible toothpaste like nano-hydroxyapatite is essential.
Regular dental visits matter too. Preventive care, including gentle GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy) cleanings, helps remove harmful biofilm while supporting your oral microbiome. A balanced oral microbiome strengthens your body’s defense system, which is especially important during germ-heavy months.
When Illness Does Sneak In
Even with the best prevention, sometimes a cold catches up. When it does, focus on supporting your body rather than just suppressing symptoms:
Rest – Give your immune system the time and energy it needs to heal.
Warm Salt Water Gargles – Reduce throat irritation and lower the viral load in your mouth.
Soothing Hydration – Herbal teas, broth, and honey (if you’re over age 1) can calm and support healing.
Replace Your Toothbrush – After you’re sick, swap out your toothbrush to prevent reinfection.
A Gentle Reminder
Seasonal transitions are a natural part of life. By going beyond the basics nourishing your oral microbiome, hydrating wisely, supporting your body with key nutrients, and managing inflammation you give yourself the best chance to stay healthy and vibrant through the colder months.
At Lotus Dental Wellness, our holistic approach is designed to help you thrive in every season, starting with your smile.