Watching someone come out of a bathroom stall and exit without washing their hands is quite unsettling– especially knowing that many people may have this habit. Washing our hands, brushing our teeth and cleaning our hair are common, everyday actions, but sometimes the amount of attention that should be given to them is not.

Hygiene may be overlooked at times because people assume that the way they are keeping themselves clean is sufficient. However more often than not, even when we think we are clean, we may not have done enough.

Hands
Washing our hands is probably the most neglected form of hygiene. Since it is such a small action, we tend not to pay much attention to it and usually get the job done in under five seconds and without soap. Don’t lie, you have done this.

Although it may seem silly to bring up this kindergarten topic, people need to be reminded of the importance of handwashing.

With so many germs being collected because of the numerous things we touch including door knobs, keyboards and light switches.

These objects are touched every second without a thought about the bacteria that lingers on them. As a result, handwashing should never be ignored.

Just think about it this way. How would you feel knowing that your waiter or waitress served you a meal without washing their hands? Not only is this unsanitary, it is also a gateway for sickness.

According to the World Health Organization, thousands of people die everyday from infections and since hands are the main pathways of germ transmission, hand hygiene is the most important measure to avoid the spread of harmful germs and prevent infections.

Teeth
Similarly, our mouths also hold bacteria. Brushing your teeth twice a day is therefore vital in order to prevent things like tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, you should spend approximately two to three minutes instead of the usual 30 seconds when brushing your teeth.

Dental care is necessary to keep your overall presentation clean. It kills and keeps bad breath germs from forming as well as prevents the yellowing and build up of plaque on your teeth. Your smile and laugh become more beautiful when they are not accompanied by bad breath.

Keeping your mouth clean is as important as keeping your toothbrush clean. What you may have not known is that your toothbrush is home to more than 100 million bacteria.

As gross as it sounds, the truth is that part of the bacteria that is on your toothbrush includes fecal germs.

Since toothbrushes are most likely placed next to a toilet, every time it is flushed, bacteria is released into the air and lands onto your toothbrush.

Therefore, where you store your toothbrush in your bathroom is important. It is best to keep it as far away from the toilet as possible such as inside a cabinet. Better yet, make sure you are closing the lid of the toilet before flushing! This will minimize the germs that spread in the air each time it is flushed.

Switching out toothbrushes is often forgotten but is definitely necessary. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush about every three to four months. It should be done more often if the bristles become worn or if you are sick.

Hair and body
Since the weather is getting warmer and we are becoming more prone to sweating, we can no longer get away with showering every couple of days. Taking a shower daily helps to protect against germs and infectious diseases that remain on the skin.

Although washing up your body regularly is important, this does not always apply to hair. Shampooing everyday may be stripping your hair of the nutrients and natural oils it needs to be healthy.

It depends on your hair type as everyone’s varies, but sometimes applying shampoo to your hair too often may lead to breakage, a dry scalp or oily hair.To avoid unhealthy and greasy hair, try testing out how long your hair can stand going without shampoo.

Many hairstylists actually claim that if you attempt washing your hair less often you can train your hair to be less oily. It’s all about knowing what your hair type can handle.

It is important to keep your body clean as not showering can also lead to unpleasant smells that will affect the public. In return you may end up repelling others socially.

Caring for your body and reducing body odor will improve your personal appearance which will ameliorate others’ perceptions of you. Overall, tending to your hygiene will keep you from falling ill and enhance the appearance you present to the public.