Personal Hygiene Remedies

Personal Hygiene Remedies
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Basic hygiene practices that include regular showers or baths and periodic hand washing throughout the day are essential for cleanliness. While being clean is certainly important, good hygiene also promotes good health. Proper personal hygiene is crucial in the prevention of spreading germs and bacteria that can cause illness and disease. A number of steps throughout the day can promote good hygiene.

Body Cleansing

Daily cleansing is optimal for keeping your body well-cleansed and infection-free, according to FAQs.org. Taking a shower or a bath every 24 hours with soap and water helps clear away bacteria. Pay special attention to your underarm and groin area.
Many diseases and conditions such as lice can be prevented or controlled with good personal hygiene, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Hair Washing

Your hair type will dictate how often you should shampoo it to keep it clean. For instance a person with oily hair may shampoo daily while someone with dry hair may only need to shampoo two or three times per week.
Following a shampoo with a conditioner may improve the appearance of your hair by making it look smooth and shiny.

Basic Grooming

Applying an antiperspirant or deodorant after showering and exercising can help maintain freshness and prevent further body odor throughout the day. Also, keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed.
Brushing or combing your hair helps it appear smoother and can prevent snarls and tangles.
Wear clean clothing and socks. AboutPersonalGrowth.com recommends that you wash your clothes after they've been worn once.

Hand Washing

Washing your hands several times each day with soap and water helps remove germs from your skin and can help stop the spread of bacteria. Your hands should be washed before preparing food, after using the bathroom, touching pets or taking out the trash. Regular hand washing could cut diarrheal disease-related deaths in half, according to the CDC.

Oral Care

Good hygiene remedies also include taking care of your mouth and teeth. The American Dental Association, or ADA, recommends brushing teeth twice a day with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Also, floss at least once daily get rid of lingering bacteria that your brush can't reach.
Make sure to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath. Toothbrushes tend to wear out after a few months and should be replaced often to ensure that your teeth continue to be properly cleaned.

References

Article reviewed by Greg Duran Last updated on: May 29, 2010

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