What's the best way to prevent bad breath and dry mouth first thing in the morning?

Brush and eat: Obviously brushing thoroughly will remove the film that has collected on your teeth overnight. An additional source of breath malodor in the morning is sometimes referred to as "hungry breath" and comes from the stomach. Eating something small, especially a bread product will eliminate it quickly. If neither works, get your mouth examined for a specific dental problem like decay or gum disease.

Brush, floss: It is very normal to have bad breath first thing in the morning. The mouth usually hangs open during sleep which can dry it out. If you are experiencing dry mouth all the time, this is xerostomia and you should consult with your dentist about it. Plaque bacteria thrive in the warm moist oral environment during the night, causing morning breath. Get up, brush thoroughly, floss, brush the tongue.