Does Drinking Water Immediately After Waking Up Send Bacteria Straight to Your Stomach? [Health Talk]

[The Financial News] Drinking a glass of warm water right after waking up is known to help with hydration and stimulate bowel movements. Recently, claims have circulated online that drinking water without brushing your teeth allows oral bacteria to enter the stomach and negatively affect health. However, experts advise that for healthy adults, there is little cause for concern, as the sterilizing effect of gastric acid is generally sufficient.
Concerns have been spreading on online communities that drinking water immediately after waking up, without brushing your teeth, could be harmful. It is true that saliva production decreases during sleep, allowing oral bacteria to multiply. However, even if these bacteria enter the body with water, the likelihood of immediate health problems is low. The strong gastric acid secreted in the stomach destroys most of the bacteria. Under normal circumstances, oral bacteria rarely survive the stomach to directly impact health.
Caution is advised for those with reduced gastric acid secretion. Some studies suggest that long-term use of gastric acid suppressants or conditions such as Gastritis or Atrophic gastritis may allow oral bacteria to reach the intestines. The same applies if you have high levels of oral bacteria due to Periodontitis. People with these underlying conditions are advised to brush their teeth before drinking water in the morning for added safety.
It is not advisable to stop drinking water in the morning out of concern for oral bacteria. During sleep, fluid intake is halted for an extended period, leading to reduced body hydration, increased blood viscosity, and slower gastrointestinal motility. Drinking lukewarm or warm water right after waking can help mitigate these physiological changes. Delaying water intake due to fear of bacteria may actually be detrimental to your health.
In conclusion, healthy adults do not need to be overly concerned about drinking water immediately after waking up. For those with stomach disorders or impaired gastric acid secretion, it is better to brush your teeth before drinking water. If using a toothbrush is not possible, rinsing your mouth with water beforehand can be a practical alternative.


hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter