Personal hygiene is the process of maintaining cleanliness. Individual standards for personal hygiene vary from person to person depending on factors like culture, personal preference and learned habits. Laying out specific objectives for personal hygiene is a helpful way to ensure that all goals are met. Understanding the consequences of poor hygiene can serve as motivation for planning and accomplishing personal hygiene objectives.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene involves keeping the teeth, gums and oral cavity free from harmful bacteria. According to the American Dental Association, brushing, flossing and use of antimicrobial mouthwashes are important for maintaining good oral hygiene.
Proper brushing technique is vital for healthy teeth and gums. Brush twice daily, remembering to brush the tongue and inner tooth surfaces as you go. Limit your intake of sweet snacks like candy and soda, which can lead to tooth decay. For optimal effectiveness, toothbrushes should be replaced every three or four weeks.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is instrumental in preventing infections of all kinds. Food-borne illnesses, contagious infections like the flu and many other pathogens can enter the body via unwashed hands.
According to Mayo Clinic, hands should be washed for 20 seconds with soap and water to effectively kill harmful microbes. Always wash hands before eating and after handling garbage, pets or raw meat. While anti-bacterial hand sanitizers are a convenient option, the friction created by soap-and-water washing is the most effective method for killing germs.
Odor Control
The human body produces many scents, some of which can be unpleasant. Sweat, oral bacteria, dirty clothing and oily hair or skin are common sources of odor.
Washing under the armpits and applying deodorant with an anti-perspirant helps reduce body odor caused by perspiration. The feet are another important source of odor that should be washed daily. For particularly smelly feet, odor-absorbent insoles can reduce odor caused by sweating.
Daily tooth-brushing and flossing are necessary to control bad breath. Limiting consumption of strong-smelling foods like onions and garlic--as well as tobacco products--can also help. Washing clothes regularly using detergent and water is necessary to remove dirt and odor; old, tattered or stained clothing should be discarded.
Hair and Skin Care
The objective of hair care is to keep the hair clean and well-groomed. Choosing a shampoo formulated for your particular hair type can produce the best results. Thorough washing is important to remove dirt and buildup and should occur three or more times per week for best results.
Skin care is vital for a youthful and attractive appearance. Daily washing of the face and body with mild soap and water is the best way to remove oil and debris that cause acne breakouts. Regular exfoliation using a scrub brush or exfoliating lotion helps remove dead skin cells that build up and clog pores.
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