Before Washing Your Hands With Soap, It’s Recommended To Use Regular Toothpaste
We all know the importance of washing our hands with soap to keep ourselves and others healthy. But did you know that using toothpaste before washing your hands can actually enhance the effectiveness of hand washing? It may sound unusual, but it’s a simple and effective way to ensure that your hands are truly clean. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using toothpaste before washing your hands and how it can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Firstly, let’s discuss the purpose of hand washing. It’s a well-known fact that proper hand washing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular hand washing can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by 16-21% and gastrointestinal infections by 31%. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, hand washing has become even more crucial in keeping ourselves and others safe.
Now, you may be wondering why using toothpaste is necessary before washing your hands. Well, toothpaste contains certain ingredients that can effectively kill germs and bacteria present on your hands. Most toothpaste contains fluoride, which has antimicrobial properties and can kill the bacteria responsible for causing cavities and gum diseases. It also contains surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which can help remove dirt and oil from your hands.
Furthermore, toothpaste contains abrasives like calcium carbonate and silicates, which can help scrub away any germs or dirt from your hands. This can be particularly useful for people who work in industries where their hands are constantly exposed to dirt, chemicals, and other harmful substances. By using toothpaste before hand washing, you can ensure that your hands are thoroughly clean and free from any harmful bacteria or germs.
In addition to its germ-killing properties, using toothpaste before washing your hands can also help remove any unpleasant odors. Whether it’s from cooking, gardening, or any other activity, our hands can sometimes develop an unpleasant smell. The abrasives in toothpaste can help scrub away the sources of these odors, leaving your hands smelling fresh and clean.
Some may argue that using hand sanitizer is a more convenient alternative to using toothpaste before hand washing. However, hand sanitizers are not as effective as hand washing with soap and water. According to the CDC, hand sanitizers can reduce the number of germs on your hands, but they do not eliminate all types of germs. They also cannot remove dirt, chemicals, and other substances that may be present on your hands.
Moreover, hand sanitizers can often be drying to the skin, especially if used frequently. On the other hand, using toothpaste before washing your hands not only cleanses your hands but also leaves them feeling soft and smooth. This is because toothpaste contains moisturizing agents like glycerin, which can help soothe and nourish your skin.
Now, you may be wondering if any toothpaste can be used before hand washing or if there are specific types of toothpaste that are more suitable for this purpose. While any regular toothpaste can be used, it’s best to opt for a toothpaste that is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. These types of toothpaste are gentler on your hands and are less likely to cause irritation or dryness.
To use toothpaste before hand washing, simply squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your hands and massage it all over, including between your fingers and under your nails. Then, rinse off with water and wash your hands with soap as usual. You’ll be amazed at how much cleaner and fresher your hands will feel compared to just washing with soap alone.
In conclusion, using toothpaste before washing your hands is a simple yet effective way to enhance the cleanliness of your hands. It can help kill germs and bacteria, remove dirt and odors, and leave your hands feeling soft and smooth. With the current global health crisis, it’s more important than ever to maintain proper hand hygiene. So, the next time you’re about to wash your hands, remember to grab a tube of toothpaste as well. Your hands (and those around you) will thank you.
