Good Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene may be described as the principle of maintaining cleanliness and grooming of the
external body. One of the most effective ways we have to protect ourselves and others from illness is
good personal hygiene.

Poor Personal Hygiene

Failure to keep up a standard of hygiene can have many implications. Not only is there an
increased risk of getting an infection or illness, but there are many social and psychological aspects that
can be affected.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

Hand Hygiene: Handwashing and Nail Clipping

Handwashing. This simple habit requires only soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Nail Clipping. Appropriate hand hygiene includes diligently cleaning and trimming fingernails, which may
harbor dirt and germs and can contribute to the spread of some infections, such as pinworms.

IMPORTANCE

1.To cleanse the hands of pathogens(including bacteria or viruses) and chemicals which can cause
personal harm or disease.

2.One good way to prevent transfer of infectious diseases that are commonlyspread through hand-to-
hand contact and contact with fomites (doorknobs)including the common cold, flu and several
gastrointestinal disorders, such as infectious diarrhea.

3.Inadequate hand hygiene contributes to food-related illnesses, such as salmonella and E. coli infection.

Handwashing technique

1. To follow these steps: Wet your hands with running water — either warm or cold.
2. Apply liquid, bar or powder soap to a cupped hand.
3. Lather well.
4. Rub your hands, palm to palm, vigorously for at least 20 seconds.
5. Rinse well.
6. Dry your hands with a clean towel.
7. Use the towel to turn off the faucet.

Nail Care

1. Soften the nails. The best time to trim your nails is immediately after taking a bath or shower.
 2. Gather the proper tools. Use a nail clipper or nail scissors for your fingernails and a toenail clipper
for your toenails.
3. To trim your fingernails, cut almost straight across the nail.
4. toenail, cut straight across when trimming your toenails.
5. Smooth uneven or rough edges using a nail file or emery board.
6. Leave your cuticles alone. Cuticles protect the nail root, so it’s important to avoid cutting your
cuticles or pushing them back.
7. Moisturize after trimming to help keep your nails flexible.

B. Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing after every meal will help remove food particles from between your teeth and
gums and can help prevent tooth decay. Keeping your teeth free of plaque is your first line of defense
against cavities and oral infections.

IMPORTANCE

1.Prevents losing your teeth and gives you a wide good smile.

2.Cleaning your teeth daily and visiting your dentist one to two times a year prevents gum disease and
other oral health problems.

Oral Care

1. Aim the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle towards the gum line.

2. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
3. Use a gentle circular motion.
4. Repeat on the inside surfaces.
5. Use a light back and forth motion on the chewing surfaces.
6. Spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
7. You do not need to rinse, as the small amount of fluoridated toothpaste left in your mouth after
spitting continues to protect against tooth decay.