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Personal Hygiene Effects

Personal hygiene is the practice of caring for your body in small but critical ways like bathing, tooth brushing and washing hands on a regular basis. Hygiene involves simple actions that have big effects when followed properly. Good hygiene can be a key to good health, food safety and social and professional success.



Regular hand washing -- especially during cold and flu season -- is one of the most important ways to reduce the spread of viruses. Washing your hands can prevent you from catching a cold or the flu, as well as prevent you from spreading an illness to others if you already have it.

  1. Health

    • Brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis is a key factor in keeping them strong and healthy throughout your life. Keeping your teeth clean will prevent tooth decay (cavities) and loss due to excessive decay or gingivitis (gum disease). In addition to brushing and flossing, eating foods low in sugar and acid -- both of which can create an environment friendly to decay-causing bacteria -- and regular visits to the dentist will help maintain dental health.

    Food Safety

    • Even if you do not work in the food industry, preparing food in a home kitchen requires careful personal hygiene. Bacteria can be transferred from your body, your clothes and even your jewelry to food and make you and others ill.

      Always wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food. Also make sure your workspace is clean and there are no pets in the area. Remove any jewelry like rings, bracelets and watches that might come into contact with the food as you prepare it. A clean apron will not only protect your clothes from food messes but will keep your clothes from spreading bacteria to the food you are preparing.

    Personal Success

    • A clean, well-presented body may not be something most people notice about each other, but when someone's body is visibly dirty or carries an unpleasant odor, most people do notice. Basic personal hygiene will prevent the social stigma attached to an unpleasant personal appearance or odor.

    Professional Success

    • If you work in the food industry or with young children, good personal hygiene will be critical to your day-to-day working duties. But at any job, good hygiene is a must.

      From the first impression you make at a job interview to how you get along with coworkers, customers or clients, good hygiene is key.

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