Hygiene Basics
What should you use to wash your hands effectively?
Soap and water.
What tool do you use to clean your teeth?
A toothbrush.
Why can body odor become more noticeable during puberty?
Hormonal changes can increase activity of sweat glands and change body odor.
You forgot to bring deodorant to school and notice you're sweaty after PE. What's a reasonable first step?
Privately freshen up and, if needed, ask a trusted adult for help.
Why is announcing someone's body odor in front of other students disrespectful?
It can embarrass or humiliate them about something personal.
Name two times when you should wash your hands.
Before eating and after using the restroom.
Other answers can include after coughing/sneezing, playing outside, or touching something dirty.
Why shouldn't you brush your teeth using only water?
Toothpaste provides ingredients that help clean and protect teeth.
If two students are the same age, their bodies should be going through things at the same time.
False. Puberty happens at different times and at different rates.
Your gym clothes are sweaty after PE. Why shouldn't you leave them in your backpack for several days?
Moist, sweaty clothing can develop an unpleasant odor and should be washed.
Someone says, “I'm just joking!” after making fun of another student's hygiene. Does calling it a joke automatically make it okay?
No. A joke can still hurt someone or be disrespectful.
Why is wearing clean clothes important?
It helps remove sweat, dirt, and odors and keeps you feeling fresh and comfortable.
You brush your teeth every morning but frequently skip brushing at night. Why might this be a problem?
Food and plaque can remain on your teeth overnight, so regular brushing at night is important for oral health.
Why might deodorant become more useful during puberty?
Increased sweating and changes in body odor can make deodorant helpful for managing odor.
Your friend says, “I don't need to wash my hands because they look clean.” How would you respond?
Hands can have germs even when they look clean, so washing them at important times is still necessary.
You notice your friend has something stuck in their teeth. What's the most respectful way to tell them?
Tell them quietly and privately
You played outside on a hot day and are very sweaty. What are two things you could do?
Freshen up, wash/shower, use deodorant, or change into clean clothes.
Your friend has bad breath before giving a presentation. Name three reasonable things they could do.
Drink water, brush their teeth/tongue, rinse their mouth, or use an appropriate oral-care product.
A student suddenly notices more sweat and body odor than they used to. Should they assume something is wrong?
No. Increased sweating and body odor can be normal changes during puberty.
You notice a hygiene problem during the school day and feel embarrassed. What are two appropriate options?
Privately freshen up or speak with a trusted adult.
You hear students making fun of someone because they smell after PE. What are two ways you could respond?
Don't participate, tell them to stop, support the student, or tell a trusted adult.
Why is personal hygiene considered a responsibility?
Because taking care of your body helps support your health, comfort, and well-being.
Why is oral hygiene about more than just having “fresh breath”?
It helps maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental problems.
Why is comparing your body's changes to your classmates usually not helpful?
People develop at different rates, so comparing can create unnecessary worry or embarrassment.
A student has good hygiene habits but still experiences acne or body odor. What important lesson should they remember?
Hygiene can help manage these issues, but normal body changes can still happen and don't mean the person is doing something wrong.
Why should hygiene problems be handled privately instead of becoming a group discussion?
Hygiene is personal, and discussing someone's hygiene publicly can cause embarrassment, teasing, or bullying.