Attention to personal hygiene will help a person look their best, feel their best, and can even help in avoiding disease. People who are conscientious about personal hygiene take care of cleanliness, routine health care, and preventive health maintenance.

An overview of some of the most common preventable health problems illustrates the role of personal hygiene:

Mouth: Despite spending $1.5 billion on oral hygiene products each year, 98 percent of Americans have cavities or tooth decay. The combination of bacteria in the mouth, sugar in the diet, and susceptible teeth leads to decay, cavities, gum disease, and sometimes even the loss of teeth. These risks can be addressed by eating a variety of foods, limiting sugary foods, brushing and flossing regularly, and having regular dental checkups.

Eyes: Even people with normal vision need eye examinations to screen for disease, infection, and changes in vision. Protecting the eyes is...