What causes dry mouth and a bitter taste in the mouth upon waking up in the morning?
Disease description:
I always wake up in the morning with a dry and bitter mouth, which is very uncomfortable. What causes a dry and bitter mouth upon waking up in the morning?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Waking up in the morning with a dry and bitter mouth may be caused by the following reasons:
1. From a physiological perspective, if you drank too little water the previous night or consumed overly spicy or dry food, the oral mucosa may become dehydrated, leading to dryness and bitterness in the mouth.
2. Poor lifestyle habits. For example, neglecting oral hygiene and failing to brush teeth regularly and thoroughly can leave food residues in the mouth. Over time, this may lead to a bitter taste.
3. Certain diseases. Conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome can cause overall body dehydration. Diabetic patients may experience dehydration due to frequent urination. Chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, and other diseases can also potentially cause dryness and bitterness in the mouth.
5. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), symptoms such as liver qi stagnation, damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, or excessive stomach fire can also lead to these manifestations.
If this symptom persists or worsens over time, do not take it lightly—seek timely medical evaluation and diagnosis.
