Why does your mouth taste bad in the morning after drinking?

Dehydration: Alcohol can cause dehydration, which leads to a dry mouth. This dryness can create an environment where bacteria can grow and cause bad breath.

Acid Reflux: Alcohol can relax the muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the valve between the stomach and esophagus. This relaxation can allow stomach contents, including acid, to flow back into the esophagus, causing acid reflux. Acid reflux can lead to a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

Ketosis: Alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde, which can cause ketosis, a metabolic state in which the body breaks down fat as fuel instead of glucose. Ketosis can produce a fruity or acetone-like odor on the breath.

Poor Oral Hygiene: Alcohol can impair judgment and make it easier to forget or skip brushing and flossing your teeth before bed. This can allow food particles and bacteria to accumulate in your mouth, leading to bad breath.