Personal Hygiene Tips
Personal hygiene is important to help maintain relationships with people and to promote our own good health. Without good personal hygiene our appearance and aroma may make us less appealing to our friends and family members, and a lack of proper personal hygiene can allow diseases to flourish.
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The Basics
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Each person should brush their teeth at least once a day to prevent dangerous bacteria from building up on and between teeth, and then spreading. A full cleaning by a dental professional is required at least once every six months to promote healthy teeth and gums. Many people take their teeth and gums for granted, but unhealthy gums can lead to infections that can become very dangerous. If you brush your teeth and you see blood when you rinse, then it is important to get to the dentist immediately for a cleaning and evaluation.
A person should bathe at least once a day to remove any of the bacteria that have collected on the outer layer of the skin and prevent those bacteria from getting inside the body. Because our hands come in contact with several things that others touch during the course of a day, such as doorknobs and safety railings, we should wash our hands at least twice a day to remove any excess bacteria and disease that we may have picked up from someone else.
You should wash your hair at least twice a week, or more if you have a condition that requires you to wash your hair more frequently. If you have lice or other hair-related conditions then you should follow the instructions given to you by your doctor as to how often you should apply medication and if you should shampoo afterward. Avoid using a comb or hair brush that has been used by someone else, and try to keep your comb as clean as possible.
Other Tips
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When you experience a cut or a small open wound, treat it with an antibacterial solution and then cover it with a bandage. Small wounds that are left untreated can get infected and cause bigger problems.
Keep your toenails clipped to a comfortable length. Allowing your toenails to continue to grow without clipping them can result in painful ingrown toenails, and longer toenails can cut the skin while you are sleeping.
Wash dishcloths and bathing cloths regularly, and avoid using a towel to dry yourself that has been used by someone else. Be sure to use a cotton swab to clean out the excess wax in your ears, and use soap each time you bathe.
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