10 Personal Hygiene Mistakes You Need To Stop Making

Personal hygiene is definitely important. Not only does it take your style quotient to the next level, it is the first step to good physical health and well being.

However, there are some age old myths about personal hygiene that are completely baseless and following them hurts you.

The worst part is that we consider these habits as healthy and are completely ignorant about how and to what extent these habits are adversely affecting our health.

So it is worthwhile to mention these mistakes.

1. Over-bathing:

The hot and sultry tropical summers may force us to derive relief by taking a shower very frequently but one must keep in mind that over-bathing is the root cause of many dermatological problems, such as irritation. The human body is home to several species of bacteria and other microbes. Excessive bathing can lead to dry, cracked skin, which increases the chances of bacteria entering the body and causing infection.

2. Toothbrush:

Not taking care of your toothbrush is one of the common mistakes that we make. Keeping the toothbrush in the open where it is exposed to dust and microbes can prove to be very detrimental for your oral hygiene.

3. Brushing Too Many Times A Day:

Brushing too many times a day is also detrimental to oral health as brushing can cause gradual erosion of the enamel leading to greater sensitivity. A weakened enamel is what makes your teeth more prone to decay.

4. Not Brushing Enough:

However, one must remember that brushing his/her teeth once a day is just not enough.

When we consume food, food particles remain stuck in the tooth. These food particles prove to be the feeding ground for microbes such as bacteria. This invariably leads to bad odour and the possible risk of tooth decay. So one must brush his/her teeth at least twice a day.

5. Not Using Floss And Not Cleaning The Tongue:

Oral hygiene is not just about clean pearly teeth. It is as much about the gums and the tongue. Use a floss to keep your gums clean and free from gum disorders like receding gumline and diseases like gingivitis. Cleaning the tongue is also of equal importance as it goes a long way in combating mouth odour.

6. Post Gym Showering Is Mandatory:

Exercising, be it in the form of cardio or weight training or any form of sport is an excellent way to remain healthy. It promotes your vitality and also releases endorphins. Endorphin is a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system and has a number of physiological functions. These hormones help combat stress.

However, there is a catch here. Bathing after gymming is mandatory. Showering right after gymming causes a removal of sweat and body odour. Moreover, showering especially with hot water can increase blood circulation, thereby relaxing muscle soreness and also helps in muscle recovery.

7. Too Much Of Cleanliness:

Yes, it may sound funny but even too much of hygiene is bad for your health. A study showed that children who were born and brought in too clean an environment were more prone to respiratory diseases such as asthma and eczema. Apparently, they were not able to develop the required immunity and became more prone to be affected by dust and pollen allergens.

8. Sharing Personal Items:

This is almost a no-brainer; however, we often tend to make the mistake of sharing items of personal use like combs and towels with close friends and family members. One must remember that physical contact is the most important reason why people contract and spread diseases like conjunctivitis.

One must, therefore, say a strict NO to such sharing. It may take a little extra investment but get a personal comb, towel, etc. would reap rich dividends in the long run.

9. Use A Towel While Exercising :

It is not a good idea to go to the gym empty handed. One must always keep a towel handy. Leaving sweat stains on benches and machines on the gym is a total violation of gym etiquette. Having said that, one must make sure that the towel used is absolutely personal. Using a towel that is common to all can leave you prone to skin diseases.

10. Cleaning Ear Wax :

Ear wax is actually beneficial to us because it prevents ear infections and also prevents foreign particles such as dust and small insects from entering the ear canal. Cleaning this ear wax, therefore, makes no sense. However, in case you have excess ear wax, you can clean it only with a bud. In case it goes out of hand, makes sure to visit an ENT specialist to get your ears checked.