How to Get Rid of Cigar Breath: 6 Fast & Fresh Tips

There’s nothing better than kicking back and relaxing with one of your favorite smokes. But what happens when that taste lingers in your mouth longer than it should? Becoming stale, or even nauseatingly putrid.

This is what smokers call ‘cigar breath.’ It's an unpleasant phenomenon that happens as a result of your cigar’s aftertaste. This leaves its mark on your palette. That’s why it’s so important to keep your mouth fresh after smoking.

Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to achieve this. We’ve compiled this handy guide so you can learn how to get rid of cigar taste in your mouth.

What Causes Cigar Mouth?

The reason smokers experience bad breath is halitosis. This is when ingredients from the cigar stick to your tongue. It can happen even with high-quality cigars. However, there are a few risk factors for developing halitosis.

• Old cigars: Smoking older cigars, or those of a poor quality can contribute toward bad breath. You’ll be able to tell if your cigar has gone bad from the metallic taste in the product. This means the tobacco leaves have not been fermented properly.
• Not eating: Smoking on a dry mouth, having not eaten or drunk anything, increases the chances of bad breath. This is because the taste of the cigar sticks to your tongue more easily.
• Smoking too quickly: Believe it or not, smoking too quickly can cause cigar breath. Premium cigars are designed to burn at an even pace. So, if you rush it, or smoke it in a hurry, the heat from the cigar can leave a harsh taste.
• Eating certain foods: Whether or not your cigar causes bad breath heavily depends on what else you’ve eaten. Certain foods, particularly those which are saltier, contribute to dryness. This can increase the smell.

Quick Ways to Get Rid of Cigar Breath

Below are some quick ways to get cigar taste out of your mouth. These can help reduce the intensity of the cigar smell.

Drink Water

The first step to keep your breath fresh while smoking is to drink plenty of water. A dry tongue causes the smell of smoke to stick more easily to your palate. Saliva plays an important role when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene.

Water is essential in the production of saliva. This, in turn, flushes out all the food particles you’ve accumulated throughout the day.

Use a Breath Spray or Breath Freshening Strips

If you’re out and about and don’t have time to brush, breath-freshening sprays/strips can be a game-changer. Look out for ones that contain ingredients like zinc, probiotics, and essential oils). These all help to neutralize odor.

Sugar-free gum is another great option. Not only does it help to freshen, but it also helps increase saliva production. This can remove odor particles from the recesses of your mouth.

Take care not to use chewing gum containing sugar. Sugar reacts with the bacteria in your mouth, causing it to become acidic. Acid wears down the enamel on your teeth and is a cause of bad breath.

Deep Clean

Doing a deep clean is a highly effective method for eliminating cigar breath. Brush your teeth twice a day, preferably with an electric toothbrush. This helps to control the pressure you apply to your teeth. Floss in between all your teeth to remove old food particles.

It’s also a good idea to use a tongue scraper, which helps remove bacteria and food debris. Finishing off with a healthy dose of mouthwash will help maintain freshness.

Long-Term Strategies to Prevent Cigar Breath

We’ve covered some quick fixes to keep your breath smelling fresh. Now, here are some long-term strategies. These can be incorporated into your daily routine to maintain good oral hygiene.

Proper Oral Hygiene

The first and most critical step is to practice proper oral hygiene. We’ve all been told to brush our teeth twice a day, but there are some additional steps you can take. Choosing a toothpaste that contains fluoride helps build up resistance against acid. Fluoride also helps to reverse early signs of decay.

Flossing and interdental brushes should be a daily practice, as should tongue scrapers. They help remove sulfur compounds responsible for cigar breath. Limit salty or sugary foods, which can contribute to smell when mingled with cigar smoke.

See your dentist regularly for checkups, as they’ll be able to identify signs of gum disease early on.

Avoid Sugary Drinks

As we mentioned briefly above, sugar interacts with the bacteria in your mouth. This causes smelly byproducts like plaque. Plaque is what leads to dental issues such as tooth decay and cavities.

This is especially true for sugary drinks, which also contain acid. The acid in the drinks can dry out your mouth, creating a perfect storm for bacteria production.

Drinking Green Tea

Drinking green tea is a great way to neutralize odors caused by cigar smoking. It's recognized as a powerful weapon against bad breath. This is because it contains natural antioxidants called catechins.

The catechins are responsible for neutralizing the sulfur compounds found in your mouth. These are what cause bad breath in the first place. Adding a cup of green tea to your ritual not only protects against halitosis. It helps refine the experience too. You can even start preparing your brew as you light up!

Minimize Breath, Maximize Taste

While cigar smoking can lead to bad breath, it’s completely preventable. Incorporating oral hygiene tips into your daily routine is a great starting point. Avoiding sugary drinks also makes a noticeable difference. Remember to deep clean, use breath-freshening strips, and drink plenty of water. These are all great for preventing halitosis.

Now that you know how to take care of cigar breath, it’s time to buy some smokes. Here at Swiss Cuban Cigars, we sell a wide selection of premium, authentic Cuban cigars. Browse today to start your journey.