Today is World Hand Hygiene Day and the Dental Health Foundation is promoting hand hygiene day across the world. Covid-19 has made us all aware of the importance of washing our hands regularly and reducing the spread of infection from either bacteria or viruses.
Always wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before and after cooking. This can also prevent the spread of salmonella and other diseases. Another key time to wash your hands is before brushing and flossing your teeth, touching your mouth increases your risk of colds, flu, Covid, and Pneumonia.
Follow these 10 steps to wash your hands effectively.
- Wet your hands with water.
- Apply enough soap to cover your hands.
- Rub your hands together.
- Use 1 hand to rub the back of the other hand and clean in between the fingers. Do the same with the other hand.
- Rub your hands together and clean in between your fingers.
- Rub the back of your fingers against your palms.
- Rub your thumb using your other hand. Do the same with the other thumb.
- Rub the tips of your fingers on the palm of your other hand. Do the same with other hand.
- Rinse your hands with water.
- Dry your hands completely with a disposable towel.
- If no soap and water are available, rub your hands together using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
It is also good practice to wash your hands after toothbrushing, especially if you are unwell, to prevent spreading the bacteria or virus to other family members using the same bathroom.
Please visit www.dentalhealth.ie for more advice & information on looking after your oral health.