What causes a dry throat and bad breath when waking up in the middle of the night?

In general, waking up at night with a dry throat and bad breath may be caused by poor oral hygiene, indigestion, Helicobacter pylori infection, or other reasons. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

For example, not brushing teeth thoroughly before bedtime can leave food debris between teeth, which easily promotes bacterial growth and leads to oral infections, mouth ulcers, and other issues, resulting in symptoms such as dry mouth and bad breath. It is recommended that patients undergo ultrasonic dental cleaning at a hospital to completely remove tartar, and maintain good daily oral hygiene by brushing teeth regularly.

2. Indigestion

Accumulation of food in the stomach for prolonged periods can cause bad breath. Additionally, reduced gastric motility may lead to reflux of bile and stomach contents, causing dry mouth and a bitter taste. Patients should adjust their lifestyle and develop healthy eating habits—avoiding overeating, consuming excessive spicy or irritating foods, and limiting alcohol and coffee intake. Regular physical exercise is also beneficial. Under a doctor’s guidance, medications such as domperidone tablets or Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets may be used for treatment.

3. Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori infection can disrupt gastrointestinal function and cause the stomach to produce acidic gases, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, bad breath, and a bitter taste. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as compound Shichangpu Alkaline Bismuth Carbonate tablets or clarithromycin capsules for treatment.

Besides the three causes mentioned above, conditions such as gingivitis, chronic pharyngitis, and periodontitis may also contribute. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and maintain proper daily hygiene.