What causes a bitter taste in the mouth upon waking in the morning?

Generally, a bitter taste in the mouth upon waking in the morning may be caused by reduced saliva secretion, improper diet, poor oral hygiene, gastritis, cholecystitis, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Reduced Saliva Secretion

During nighttime sleep, the body's saliva secretion naturally decreases, which may lead to increased bacterial activity in the mouth and result in a bitter, dry sensation upon waking. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing teeth and using mouthwash before bedtime.

2. Improper Diet

Consuming overly greasy or spicy foods before bedtime may cause a bitter taste in the mouth upon waking. Adjusting the diet by reducing intake of greasy and spicy foods, and taking a light walk after meals to aid digestion, may help alleviate this condition.

3. Poor Oral Hygiene

The presence of significant dental calculus or plaque in the mouth can promote bacterial growth, leading to a bitter taste and bad breath upon waking. It is essential to brush teeth twice daily, have regular professional cleanings, and maintain good oral hygiene.

4. Gastritis

Infection with Helicobacter pylori is a primary cause of gastritis. Gastritis may damage the gastric mucosa and cause abnormal gastric acid secretion, resulting in a bitter or sour taste upon waking, often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment may include medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, ranitidine hydrochloride capsules, and colloidal bismuth pectin capsules, taken under medical guidance.

5. Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis may be triggered by unhealthy eating habits, mental stress, bacterial infection, or other factors. It can affect the normal secretion and excretion of bile, causing bile to accumulate in the biliary system and reflux into the esophagus, leading to a bitter taste in the mouth upon waking. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as jaundice and loss of appetite. Medications such as anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting tablets, ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, and racemic hyoscine butylbromide tablets may be used under a doctor’s supervision for treatment.

In daily life, it is advisable to choose light, easily digestible foods and avoid excessive consumption of spicy or greasy foods. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also important to prevent bacterial growth and proliferation.