As you get older, not only does your body smell from various places, but your mouth also tends to have a bad odor.

Why does an unpleasant change called the "elderly smell" occur?

 

The reason why the smell of old books and cheese becomes more intense in the body as we age is because a substance called nonenal aldehyde is produced excessively. Nonenal aldehyde is a substance formed when fatty acids in sebum oxidize. It accumulates in pores and creates a musty odor.

Nonenaldehyde is not produced when young, but begins to form due to aging starting in the 40s.

Decrease in beneficial skin bacteria and increase in harmful bacteria

▲Skin Acidification

It is created due to changes in lipid components.

 

As people age, their ability to eliminate acetaldehyde also decreases. This is because metabolism slows down with age, and reduced activity levels and neurodegeneration lead to decreased sweat secretion. Along with aging, enjoying alcohol and cigarettes increases the secretion of acetaldehyde, resulting in a stronger odor. Drinking alcohol promotes the production of acetaldehyde, while smoking inhibits its breakdown. Both alcohol consumption and smoking can cause not only body odor but also bad breath. To reduce the elderly smell caused by acetaldehyde, lifestyle habits need to be improved.

 

First, it is advisable to reduce the intake of greasy foods. Older adults have difficulty digesting greasy foods, leading to the accumulation of metabolic substances in the skin and other areas, which also promotes the production of aldehydes associated with aging.

 

At this time, especially, the smell from the armpits becomes more intense. It is good to thoroughly wash the body with soap or cleanser and to soak the body in water at least twice a week if possible.

 

It is effective in softening the skin and removing oxidative components. Additionally, it is recommended to drink plenty of water, take walks in the sunlight, and change underwear frequently.

The reason why bad breath worsens with age is because saliva secretion decreases due to aging.

 

The main cause of bad breath is a lack of saliva. Saliva plays a role in washing away food debris and bacteria in the mouth, but when saliva is insufficient, foreign substances are not washed away properly, leading to buildup and odor in the mouth.

 

Therefore, to reduce bad breath, saliva secretion should be facilitated to keep the mouth moist.

 

To do that, you need to drink small amounts of water frequently to keep your mouth moist. When drinking water, sip slowly so that your entire mouth is moistened.

Eating fresh fruits like lemons and oranges is also good. Eating fresh fruits increases saliva production.

 

Massaging under the chin or pressing firmly with the tip of the tongue inside the lips in a clockwise and counterclockwise manner, known as 'oral exercises,' are also effective.

 

 

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There may also be cases where odor occurs due to aging, but

Usually greasy foods, or

The habit of drinking water is still good, right?