How can proper hygiene reduce the spread of infections. What are effective hand washing techniques. Why is personal hygiene important in the workplace. What role does vaccination play in infection control. How can workplaces implement effective hygiene practices.

The Importance of Hand Hygiene in Infection Prevention

Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection prevention. But why is it so crucial? Hand washing with soap and water is the most effective way to remove germs and prevent their spread. When soap and water are unavailable, alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol serve as a suitable alternative.

How should you wash your hands properly?

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water
2. Apply soap and lather well
3. Scrub all surfaces of your hands for at least 20 seconds
4. Rinse thoroughly under running water
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry

When should you wash your hands? Key moments include before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing, and after handling garbage or potentially contaminated surfaces.

Vaccination: A Powerful Tool in Infection Control

Vaccination plays a vital role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. How do vaccines work? They stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, providing protection against specific pathogens. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to community immunity, reducing the overall spread of diseases.

Which vaccines are essential for adults?

• Influenza (flu) vaccine annually
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster every 10 years
• Pneumococcal vaccine for adults 65 and older
• Shingles vaccine for adults 50 and older
• COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by health authorities

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are appropriate for your age, health status, and risk factors.

Physical Distancing: A Key Strategy in Limiting Disease Transmission

Physical distancing has emerged as a crucial strategy in reducing the spread of infectious diseases, particularly during outbreaks or pandemics. Why is physical distancing effective? By maintaining a distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) from others, you reduce the risk of exposure to respiratory droplets that may contain pathogens.

How can you practice physical distancing in daily life?

• Work from home when possible
• Use video conferencing for meetings
• Avoid crowded places and large gatherings
• Maintain distance when in public spaces
• Use contactless payment methods when shopping

Physical distancing doesn’t mean social isolation. Utilize technology to stay connected with friends and family while maintaining safe physical distances.

Respiratory Etiquette: Minimizing the Spread of Airborne Pathogens

Proper respiratory etiquette is essential in preventing the spread of infections through respiratory droplets. How can you practice good respiratory etiquette?

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• If a tissue is unavailable, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands
• Turn away from others when coughing or sneezing
• Dispose of used tissues immediately
• Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or handling tissues

Why is it important to avoid touching your face? Your eyes, nose, and mouth are entry points for viruses and bacteria. By keeping your hands away from your face, you reduce the risk of introducing pathogens into your body.

Workplace Hygiene: Creating a Healthier Environment

Maintaining a hygienic workplace is crucial in preventing the spread of infections among employees and visitors. What steps can workplaces take to promote hygiene?

• Provide clean hand washing facilities and alcohol-based hand sanitizers
• Implement regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces
• Encourage the use of tissues and provide disposal facilities
• Ensure proper ventilation in all areas
• Implement screening procedures when recommended by health authorities

How can employers encourage good hygiene practices?

1. Develop and communicate a clear infection control plan
2. Provide education on proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
3. Post reminders about hygiene practices in visible locations
4. Lead by example, with management practicing good hygiene
5. Provide necessary supplies and facilities for maintaining hygiene

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When and How to Use It

Personal protective equipment plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of infections, especially in healthcare settings and during disease outbreaks. What types of PPE are commonly used?

• Face masks or respirators
• Gloves
• Gowns or protective clothing
• Eye protection (goggles or face shields)

When should you wear a face mask? In public settings where physical distancing is challenging to maintain, or when recommended by health authorities. How do you properly wear a face mask?

1. Wash your hands before putting on the mask
2. Ensure the mask covers your nose and mouth
3. Avoid touching the mask while wearing it
4. Remove the mask by the ear loops or ties, not the front
5. Wash your hands after removing the mask

Remember, PPE is most effective when used in conjunction with other hygiene practices, not as a standalone measure.

Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection: Targeting High-Touch Surfaces

Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces is crucial in reducing the spread of infections. Why are high-touch surfaces particularly important? These surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops, are frequently touched by multiple people and can harbor pathogens for extended periods.

How should you approach cleaning and disinfection?

1. Clean surfaces with soap and water to remove dirt and debris
2. Apply a disinfectant approved for use against the target pathogens
3. Allow the disinfectant to remain on the surface for the recommended contact time
4. Wipe or rinse the surface as directed by the product instructions
5. Ensure proper ventilation during and after cleaning

What are some key areas to focus on when cleaning?

• Doorknobs and handles
• Light switches and remote controls
• Keyboards and computer mice
• Phones and tablets
• Faucets and toilet flush handles
• Kitchen and bathroom surfaces

The Role of Ventilation in Reducing Airborne Transmission

Proper ventilation is an often-overlooked aspect of infection control. How does ventilation help reduce the spread of infections? Good air circulation can dilute and remove airborne pathogens, reducing the risk of transmission in enclosed spaces.

What steps can be taken to improve ventilation?

• Open windows and doors to increase natural airflow
• Use fans to improve air circulation
• Ensure HVAC systems are properly maintained and filters are regularly changed
• Consider using portable air purifiers with HEPA filters in high-risk areas
• Increase outdoor air intake in mechanical ventilation systems when possible

Remember, improved ventilation should be used in conjunction with other hygiene measures for maximum effectiveness.

The Importance of Staying Home When Sick

One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections is to stay home when you’re sick. Why is this so important? By isolating yourself when ill, you reduce the risk of transmitting pathogens to others in your workplace, school, or community.

What are some signs that you should stay home?

• Fever or chills
• Cough or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting or diarrhea

How long should you stay home? Generally, you should remain at home until you’re fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. However, follow the guidance of your healthcare provider or local health authorities, as recommendations may vary depending on the specific illness.

The Role of Cohorts in Infection Control

Creating cohorts or teams of workers who consistently work together can be an effective strategy in limiting the spread of infections in the workplace. How does cohorting work? By minimizing interactions between different groups of employees, you can reduce the potential for widespread transmission if an infection occurs.

What are the benefits of implementing cohorts?

• Easier contact tracing if an infection is identified
• Reduced risk of facility-wide outbreaks
• Ability to maintain operations if one cohort needs to isolate
• Increased sense of safety among employees

How can workplaces effectively implement cohorting?

1. Divide employees into distinct groups based on job functions
2. Stagger shift times to minimize contact between cohorts
3. Assign specific work areas or equipment to each cohort
4. Limit movement between cohorts as much as possible
5. Regularly review and adjust cohort strategies as needed

The Impact of Personal Hygiene on Mental Health

While the physical health benefits of good hygiene practices are well-documented, it’s important to recognize the positive impact on mental health as well. How does maintaining good personal hygiene affect your mental well-being?

• Boosts self-esteem and confidence
• Reduces anxiety related to illness or social interactions
• Promotes a sense of control and routine
• Improves overall mood and outlook
• Enhances social relationships and interactions

By prioritizing personal hygiene, you’re not only protecting your physical health but also nurturing your mental and emotional well-being.

The Role of Health Education in Promoting Good Hygiene Practices

Effective health education is crucial in promoting and maintaining good hygiene practices across communities. How can health education initiatives contribute to better hygiene?

• Increase awareness of the importance of hygiene in preventing diseases
• Teach proper techniques for hand washing, respiratory etiquette, and other hygiene practices
• Dispel myths and misinformation about hygiene and disease transmission
• Empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health
• Foster a culture of hygiene consciousness in communities

What are effective methods for delivering hygiene education?

1. School-based programs targeting children and young adults
2. Workplace training sessions and informational materials
3. Public health campaigns using various media channels
4. Community outreach programs and workshops
5. Integration of hygiene education into healthcare visits

By investing in comprehensive health education, we can create a more informed and hygiene-conscious society, better equipped to prevent the spread of infections.

The Future of Hygiene: Innovations and Emerging Technologies

As our understanding of disease transmission evolves, so too do the technologies and strategies for maintaining hygiene. What are some emerging innovations in the field of hygiene?

• Antimicrobial surfaces and materials
• Touchless technologies for doors, faucets, and other high-touch areas
• Advanced air purification systems
• Smart sensors for monitoring hand hygiene compliance
• Nanotech-based disinfectants and cleaning products

How might these innovations shape the future of hygiene practices?

1. Increased automation of cleaning and disinfection processes
2. More targeted and efficient infection control measures
3. Enhanced ability to monitor and improve hygiene compliance
4. Development of more effective and sustainable hygiene products
5. Integration of hygiene considerations into building and product design

As these technologies continue to develop, it’s important to remember that they should complement, not replace, fundamental hygiene practices like hand washing and physical distancing.

The Global Impact of Improved Hygiene Practices

The widespread adoption of good hygiene practices has far-reaching implications beyond individual health. How does improved hygiene impact society on a global scale?

• Reduced burden on healthcare systems
• Increased productivity due to fewer sick days
• Economic benefits from reduced healthcare costs
• Improved quality of life, especially in developing regions
• Enhanced global preparedness for disease outbreaks

What challenges must be addressed to achieve global improvements in hygiene?

1. Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities
2. Overcoming cultural barriers to certain hygiene practices
3. Addressing economic disparities that affect access to hygiene products
4. Implementing effective hygiene education programs across diverse populations
5. Fostering international cooperation in hygiene and public health initiatives

By recognizing hygiene as a global public health priority, we can work towards a healthier, more resilient world for all.

CCOHS: Good Hygiene Practices – Reducing the Spread of Infections and Viruses

What can I do to reduce the spread of “germs”?

Back to top

The most important way to reduce the spread of infections is hand washing – frequently wash hands with soap and water, if unavailable use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol). Also important is to get a vaccine for those infections and viruses that have one, when available.

See the OSH Answers Hand Washing – Reducing the Risk of Common Infections for more details.

This OSH Answers document will discuss other methods beyond hand washing that can also help to slow or stop the spread of infections.

NOTE: During a situation where a virus is spreading in the community, information is likely to change rapidly. Please see OSH Answers on Pandemic Influenza and Coronavirus for more information.

What are good practices to slow the spread of infections?

Back to top

Ways you can reduce or slow the spread of infections include:

• Get the appropriate vaccine.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Practice physical distancing from members outside your household, when appropriate (staying more than 2 metres (6 feet) apart).
• Stay home if you are sick (so you do not spread the illness to other people).
• Use a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand and turn away from other people.
• Use single-use tissues. Dispose of the tissue immediately.
• Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or using tissues.
• If working with children, have them play with hard surface toys that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands (viruses can enter your body from unwashed hands).
• Do not share cups, glasses, dishes, cutlery, cigarettes or cellphones.
• When recommended by public health authorities, wear a non-medical mask when in a public space and physical distancing cannot be maintained.

What can a workplace do?

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Workplaces can help by having an infection control plan which includes:

• Providing clean hand washing facilities.
• Offering alcohol-based hand sanitizers with minimum 60% alcohol content, when regular facilities are not available (or to people on the road).
• When recommended by public health authorities, screening employees and visitors before they enter the building (i.e., using a questionnaire or other measures). Do not allow an individual into the building if they screen positive.
• Providing boxes of tissues and encourage their use.
• Providing disinfectant wipes, especially for use in common areas and at personal workstations.
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces on a schedule, such as doorknobs, handles, stair railings, bars, desks, phones, kitchens, shared computers, cash registers, elevator buttons, and restaurants tables/menus. High touch items and surfaces should be disinfected multiple times a day.
• Reminding staff to not share cups, glasses, dishes, and cutlery. Be sure dishes are washed in soap and water before used by another person.
• Removing magazines and papers from waiting areas or common rooms (such as receptions, break rooms and kitchens).
• Disinfecting items such as pens at receptions and service desks between users.
• Cleaning and disinfecting a person’s workstation (or other surfaces they came in contact with) when they suspect or confirm they have an infection.
• Making sure ventilation systems are working properly, are maintained according to manufacturers recommendation and are adjusted to provide the maximum air exchanges per hour.
• Washing hands after handling garbage.
• When handling of linen contaminated with secretions from persons thought to be or are sick, wash using detergent and dry items completely. Do not shake dirty laundry. Perform hand hygiene afterwards.
• Considering the creation of teams or crews (“cohorts”) of workers that will work together exclusively to reduce the spread of the virus.
• Limiting visitors. Rescheduling or limiting appointments with suppliers, vendors, service technicians and others where possible.

When cleaning and disinfecting, how should it be done?

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Additional measures may be required to minimize transmission of germs by touch points (sinks, door and cupboard handles, railings, objects, counters, etc.).Viruses, for example, can remain viable on hard surfaces for several hours, depending on environmental conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States indicates that “Most studies have shown that the flu virus can live and potentially infect a person for up to 48 hours after being deposited on a surface.”

In most workplaces and homes, cleaning floors, walls, doorknobs, etc. with disinfectants or bleach solution (5 millilitres (mL) of (5%) bleach per 250 mL of water is recommended. Use a disinfectant with a drug identification number (DIN). This number means that it has been approved for use in Canada.

Follow the directions on the cleaning or disinfecting products. Wear personal protective clothing, such as gloves and eye protection, where required. Know the appropriate procedures for general sanitation and infection control, and how to work safely with hazardous products, including bleach.

If using gloves when cleaning, always wear the appropriate type of glove for the product you are using. No one glove material is resistant to all chemicals. Some products dissolve certain glove materials and therefore will offer no protection by allowing the product to contact your skin. This permeation can take place in a few seconds, while other products may take days or weeks.

Refer to the product’s safety data sheet (SDS) for information on which glove material will provide the best protection (e. g., glove material will be listed, such as neoprene, butyl rubber, natural rubber, etc.). If this information is missing, contact the supplier or manufacturer of the product. Manufacturers of chemical protective gloves and clothing may also assist their customers in making the appropriate choices.

For more information about wearing protective gloves, please see the OSH Answers document on Chemical Protective Clothing – Glove Selection.

What is meant by physical distancing?

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Physical distancing is a strategy where you try to avoid crowded places, large gatherings of people or close contact with a group of people. For example, viruses can spread from person to person. In general, a distance of two metres (6 feet) will slow the spread of a virus, but more distance is more effective.

When physical distancing is recommended, steps to follow include:

• Use communication technologies including telephone, teleconferencing, online or cloud solutions to conduct as much business as possible (including within the same building).
• Allow employees to work from home, or to work flexible hours to avoid crowding the workplace.
• Increase the distance between desks or work stations.
• Increase the number of times touch points and surfaces are cleaned.
• Cancel or postpone any travel, meetings, workshops, etc. that are not absolutely necessary.
• Drive, walk, or cycle to work, but try to avoid public transit. Alternatively, workplaces can consider allowing staff to arrive early/late so they can use public transit when it is less crowded.
• Allow staff to eat at their desks or have staggered lunch hours to avoid crowded lunch rooms.
• Spend as little time as possible in break rooms or photocopy centres.
• When meetings are necessary, have the meeting in a larger room where people can sit with more space between them (at least two metres apart).
• Avoid shaking hands or hugging.

What should a workplace do if an employee becomes ill at work?

Back to top

Generally, employees should be allowed and encouraged to stay at home if they are not feeling well. However, in the event of a pandemic, use of screening tools or a list of symptoms as determined by your local public health authority as a checklist may be appropriate. If employees are showing any symptoms, allow them to go or remain at home. If there is doubt if a person is sick, they should stay home until they feel well and are able to resume their regular activities. Your local public health authority may have specific guidance on return to work after illness.

For example, if a person becomes ill at work and COVID-19 is suspected, they should report to first aid or ask for medical attention. If the worker is acutely and severely ill (such as difficulty breath or chest pain) call 911 immediately and provide first aid. Otherwise, they should:

• put on a medical mask, if not available use a non-medical mask.
• wash or sanitize their hands, and isolate in a designated room until they are able to return to their home, avoiding public transit, if possible.
• contact their local public health authority or use a self-assessment tool for more information and instructions.

Clean and disinfect any surface or item that the ill worker was in contact with.

• Fact sheet last revised: 2021-02-17

Benefits, Creating a Routine, In Kids, and More

Personal Hygiene: Benefits, Creating a Routine, In Kids, and More

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Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. D., MSN — By Kimberly Holland — Updated on May 18, 2018

What is personal hygiene?

Personal hygiene is how you care for your body. This practice includes bathing, washing your hands, brushing your teeth, and more.

Every day, you come into contact with millions of outside germs and viruses. They can linger on your body, and in some cases, they may make you sick. Personal hygiene practices can help you and the people around you prevent illnesses. They can also help you feel good about your appearance.

Learn more about why hygiene is so important, the best ways to practice it, and how you can change your habits to make yourself feel and look better.

Each person’s idea of personal hygiene differs. These main categories are a useful place to start for building good hygiene habits:

Toilet hygiene

Wash your hands after you use the restroom. Scrub with soap for 20 to 30 seconds, and be sure to clean between your fingers, on the back of your hands, and under your nails. Rinse with warm water, and dry with a clean towel.

If you don’t have running water or soap, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will also work. Use one that’s at least 60 percent alcohol.

Shower hygiene

Personal preference may dictate how often you wish to shower, but most people will benefit from a rinse at least every other day. Showering with soap helps rinse away dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils.

You should also wash your hair at least twice a week. Shampooing your hair and scalp helps remove skin buildup and protects against oily residues that can irritate your skin.

Nail hygiene

Trim your nails regularly to keep them short and clean. Brush under them with a nail brush or washcloth to rinse away buildup, dirt, and germs.

Tidying your nails helps you prevent spreading germs into your mouth and other body openings. You should also avoid biting your nails.

Teeth hygiene

Good dental hygiene is about more than just pearly white teeth. Caring for your teeth and gums is a smart way to prevent gum diseases and cavities.

Brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes. Aim to brush after you wake up and before bed. If you can, brush after every meal, too. Floss between your teeth daily, and ask your dentist about using an antibacterial mouthwash.

These two steps can help prevent tooth decay and eliminate pockets where bacteria and germs can build up.

Sickness hygiene

If you’re not feeling well, you should take steps to keep from spreading germs to others. This includes covering your mouth and nose when sneezing, wiping down shared surfaces with an antibacterial wipe, and not sharing any utensils or electronics. Also, immediately throw away any soiled tissues.

Hands hygiene

Germs on your hands can easily enter your body through your mouth, nose, eyes, or ears. Wash your hands:

• when you handle food
• before you eat
• if you handle garbage
• when you sneeze
• any time you touch an animal

Likewise, wash your hands after changing a baby’s diaper, helping someone clean themselves, or when cleaning a cut or wound.

Good personal hygiene will help your kids stay healthy, ward off illnesses, and build better self-awareness.

It’s never too early to start teaching hygiene. You can wipe down your child’s hands after changing their diapers or before eating, brush their teeth and gums before bed, and get them into a daily bath routine. This helps you begin the process and slowly teaches them as they grow and take over the process.

Here’s a list of hygiene activities, how you can introduce them, and when is a good time to start:

Brushing teeth

You can begin brushing your baby’s teeth and gums the moment the first tooth pops up. They can brush their own teeth by about 3 years old. However, you may have to stay with them to guarantee they’re doing a good job and brushing long enough.

Play a 2-minute song when it’s time to brush teeth. That will let your little one know how long they have to brush, and they’ll get used to the process. Likewise, you may have to continue flossing for them until they’re older and can handle that task better, around age 7.

Bathing

You’ll be giving your baby baths regularly, but by about age 5, they should be able to handle this task on their own. As they’re growing and you’re supervising bath time, you should take the opportunity to teach about washing all the different body parts, especially:

• armpits
• groins
• neck
• belly
• knees
• elbows
• back
• feet

You can also use this time to teach them how to wash their hair without getting suds in their eyes — and what to do if they do.

Hand washing

Wipe your baby’s hands with a warm washcloth before mealtime, after eating, and after changing a diaper. During potty training, make washing hands an integral step in the process.

You can teach your child to sing the ABC song while they wash — it’s 20 seconds long, which is an ideal washing time.

Make it a priority to ask your child to wash their hands any time you’d like to encourage good hygiene, like before meals, after playing outside, after petting an animal, or after being near a sick friend.

Nail hygiene

You’ll clip your child’s nails when they’re a baby, but as they grow older, you can help them care for their own nails. Encourage your children to wash under their nails at each shower — a fun nail brush will help. Then, sit down with them weekly after a shower for a trim. Your nails are softer and clip more easily after a shower.

By age 7, most children should be up for the task alone.

Good personal hygiene habits are directly related to less illnesses and better health. Poor personal hygiene habits, however, can lead to some minor side effects, like body odor and greasy skin. They can also lead to more troublesome or even serious issues.

For example, if you don’t wash your hands frequently, you can easily transfer germs and bacteria to your mouth or eyes. This can lead to any number of issues, from stomach viruses to pink eye.

Not brushing your teeth can lead to teeth issues and plaque buildup. Poor dental care is also a risk factor for several serious health issues, including heart disease.

Poor hygiene habits can also affect your self-esteem. Looking and feeling presentable can give you a confidence boost and a sense of pride in your appearance.

Other conditions may be prevented or the risk minimized by practicing good personal hygiene. These are some examples:

• scabies
• pubic lice
• head lice
• body lice
• diarrhea
• athlete’s foot
• ringworm
• pinworms
• swimmer’s ear
• hot tub rash

If you want to improve your personal hygiene or help a child develop better habits, these strategies might be helpful:

Set reminders

If you can’t remember to do things like shower, wash your hair, clip your nails, or brush your teeth, set a reminder on your phone. The cue will push you to the activity, and over time, you’ll begin to do it yourself.

Use signs

Hang a reminder in the bathroom to wash your hands after using the toilet. Put a little sign by the plates or bowls in the kitchen to cue yourself to wash your hands before eating. These signs can help jog your memory and improve your habits. They can help both you and your children.

Practice makes perfect

It takes time to learn a new habit. Start with a new habit at the beginning of the week and make it your priority. Practice it for a week or two. When you feel comfortable with it, add a new one. Overtime, you’ll establish the habits you wish to have.

A:

Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Was this helpful?

Building good personal hygiene habits takes a lifetime of learning and honing. Caring for yourself in these manners is good for your physical health as well as your mental health. If you find it difficult to adapt to these practices, talk with your doctor or dentist.

Sometimes, explanations and demonstrations are a good jump-start for taking better care of yourself. This is especially true for kids. A doctor can better explain the consequences of not caring for yourself, and a parent can use them as backup for building habits that will last a lifetime.

Read this article in Spanish.

Last medically reviewed on May 18, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• An ounce of prevention, keep the germs away. (n.d.).
  cdc.gov/ounceofprevention/docs/oop_brochure_eng.pdf
• Brushing your teeth. (n.d.).
  mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth
• Hygiene-related diseases. (2015).
  cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/index.html
• Keeping hands clean. (2011).
  cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/hand/handwashing. html
• Lurking in the locker room. (2017).
  cdc.gov/bam/body/lurking.html

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

May 18, 2018

Written By

Kimberly Holland

Edited By

Stella Miranda

Medically Reviewed By

Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN

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Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — By Kimberly Holland — Updated on May 18, 2018

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Hygiene and whitening

• Dentastar
• Services
• Hygiene and bleaching

Modern methods of disease prevention in dentistry help to prevent many problems associated with teeth.
For example, regular professional oral hygiene ensures the removal of dental deposits, prevention of caries, removes bad breath and improves the color of tooth enamel.

Teeth whitening is now very popular, as aesthetics play an important role in the modern world. In our clinic, we perform whitening on a professional ZOOM 4 system.

Professional oral hygiene

Professional hygiene is as important as dental care!
When conducting professional oral hygiene in our clinic, we take into account the individual characteristics of your teeth. We have only certified specialists and the most advanced equipment.
The procedure is carried out according to a special protocol and includes several stages, as well as the selection of home hygiene products just for you.

Whitening Zoom 4

Nowadays, the aesthetic appearance of teeth is as important as their health! When whitening in our clinic, we take into account the individual characteristics of your teeth. We have only certified specialists and the most advanced equipment. We use whitening methods that do not damage tooth enamel.

Ultrasonic scaling

However, we should not forget that a high-quality prototype of a future project requires us to analyze the development model. Banal, but irrefutable conclusions, as well as careful research of competitors, are nothing but the quintessence of the victory of marketing over reason and should be considered solely in the context of marketing and financial premises. And also the key features of the project structure can be described in as much detail as possible.

Air Flow teeth cleaning

However, we should not forget that a high-quality prototype of a future project requires us to analyze the development model. Banal, but irrefutable conclusions, as well as careful research of competitors, are nothing but the quintessence of the victory of marketing over reason and should be considered solely in the context of marketing and financial premises. And also the key features of the project structure can be described in as much detail as possible.

Remineralization therapy

Dental remineralization therapy is a type of dental treatment that aims to reverse the process of caries and strengthen the enamel. This therapy includes the use of products containing minerals such as calcium, phosphate and fluoride, which help to remineralize the tooth structure and prevent further cavities.

Whitening Opalescence

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can help improve your smile and boost your self-confidence. At our dental clinic, we offer a wide range of teeth whitening treatments to help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile. One of the most effective and popular teeth whitening treatments we offer is Opalescence Boost.

Occupational Care for Patients with Braces

Braces are a common dental treatment for correcting misaligned teeth and improving the overall appearance of a smile. However, wearing braces can make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene. Anchorages and archwire create spaces that are difficult to clean and food particles can become trapped, leading to plaque buildup and potential dental problems. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene during braces treatment to prevent dental problems and ensure the best possible outcome.

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Cholera prevention measures

– What is cholera?

Cholera is a diarrheal disease that develops as a result of intestinal infection with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera can affect both adults and children.

In most cases, the infection causes mild diarrhea or no symptoms. However, in 5-10% of cases, 6 hours to 5 days after ingestion of the bacterium, patients develop severe watery diarrhea and vomiting. In these cases, the loss of large amounts of fluid can quickly lead to severe dehydration. Without proper treatment, death can occur within a few hours.

– How is cholera transmitted?

A person can become infected with cholera by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the bacteria. The most common sources of foodborne infections are raw or undercooked seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other foods contaminated during preparation or storage.

The main source of infection is bacteria present in the feces of an infected person. Bacteria can also live in the environment, namely in brackish water rivers and coastal waters. Therefore, in areas where wastewater and drinking water supplies are not properly treated, the disease can spread rapidly.

– What are the symptoms of the disease:

From the moment of infection until the first signs of the disease appear, it can take from 2-10 hours to 5 days.

There is a mild course of cholera, in which loose stools and vomiting can be single. Feeling satisfactory. Complaints of dry mouth and increased thirst.

The moderate course of cholera is characterized by an acute onset with the appearance of copious stools, sometimes vomiting may precede. The stool becomes more frequent from 15-20 times a day, gradually loses its fecal character and takes on the appearance of “rice water” (may be yellowish, brown with a reddish tint, like “meat slops”). Diarrhea is not accompanied by abdominal pain. Sometimes there may be moderate pain in the navel, discomfort, rumbling in the abdomen. Soon the diarrhea is joined by profuse vomiting, without nausea. Increased dehydration. Spasms of certain muscle groups appear. Complaints of patients on dry mouth, thirst, malaise, weakness. There is no elevated temperature.

The severe course of cholera is characterized by a pronounced degree of dehydration. Patients have frequent copious watery stools, vomiting, pronounced muscle cramps. Patients complain of severe weakness, unquenchable thirst.

– Can cholera be prevented?

Yes. People living in high-risk areas can protect themselves from cholera by following a few simple rules of good hygiene and safe food preparation. These rules include thorough handwashing, especially before food preparation and eating, proper cooking and eating of food while hot, boiling or special treatment of drinking water, and the use of sanitation facilities.

Travelers can also protect themselves against cholera and most other food and waterborne diseases by taking some basic precautions. The main focus should be on food and water, including ice, and at the same time follow a simple rule: if the product cannot be boiled, boiled / fried and peeled (from the skin, crust, etc.), then it should not be eaten.

· Drink only boiled or disinfected with chlorine, iodine or other appropriate drinking water. Means for disinfection of water, as a rule, are sold in pharmacies. Beverages such as hot tea or coffee, wine, beer, soda or soft drinks, and bottled or bagged fruit juices are generally safe to drink.

· Do not consume ice unless you are sure it is made from safe water.

· Eat hot, well-cooked foods. Cooked foods left for several hours at room temperature without reheating can become a source of infection.

· Do not eat raw seafood and other raw foods.

· Before drinking unpasteurized milk, boil it.

· Ice cream from unverified sources is often contaminated and can lead to illness. If in doubt, do not eat it.

· Make sure food purchased from street vendors is thoroughly cooked in front of you and does not contain any uncooked ingredients.

Persons traveling to cholera-prone countries are most at risk.

Attention to tourists! Territories where cases of cholera were reported from 2010 to 2022:

-Asia: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Iraq, Yemen, Philippines, Afghanistan.

-Africa: Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Sudan, South Sudan, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Niger, Sierra Leone.