Share This Post

If you like finishing a premium cigar daily, its intricate flavors and aroma can leave an unpleasant aftertaste that also clings to your palate. This lingering “cigar mouth” can make even the most enjoyable smoking session feel like it overstayed its welcome.

 

Now, if you are a casual smoker or just a fan of it, knowing how to get cigar taste out of mouth quickly and effectively is extremely important. This is especially true if you have a career that requires you to speak a lot.

 

Fortunately, this article will provide a comprehensive guide to getting rid of cigar breath, including natural remedies, foods, mouthwashes, and preventive tips. All these to ensure that you say goodbye to that aftertaste and hello to a fresh breath!

 

 

What causes cigar mouth?

A combination of factors results to a bad cigar mouth. Although you must take preventive measures to avoid it, knowing what causes cigar mouth is a good first step to take.

1. Tobacco Residue: Cigars contain tar and nicotine that cling to your tongue, gums, and teeth. These sticky compounds are the primary culprits behind cigar mouth.
2. Oils from Cigar Leaves: High-quality cigars use premium tobacco leaves, which release oils that coat your mouth and throat.
3. Dehydration: Smoking dehydrates your mouth, reducing saliva production, which is vital for washing away residue naturally.
4. Bacterial Growth: Cigars create a conducive environment for bacteria in your mouth, leading to bad breath and prolonged aftertaste.

These four factors are what causes a cigar mouth. Additionally, a study published by the Journal of Dental Research suggest that cigar smokers are 50% more likely to have bad breath than non-smokers.

 

How to get cigar taste out of your mouth?

Without any further ado, let’s take a look at the best remedies to freshen up your breath after smoking a cigar. These tips include simple household solutions, professional products, and preventive practices.

 

1. Rinse with a specialized mouthwash

 

One thing we like most about using mouthwash is it’s one of the quickest and most effective ways to eliminate cigar taste. However, not all mouthwashes are created equal—look for those designed specifically for smokers. These often include antibacterial and deodorizing properties to neutralize odors and kill bacteria.

 

Also, you must keep in mind that this doesn’t come cheap. You have to invest in an effective, specialized mouthwash which may hurt your pocket – especially since you have to use it at least twice a day.

 

Best Mouthwashes for Smokers:

• TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse: Known for neutralizing odors without harsh alcohol.
• Closys Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash: Ideal for sensitive mouths and combats bacteria effectively.
• ACT Anticavity Mouthwash: Contains fluoride to protect against stains caused by smoking.

 

2. Brush and floss thoroughly

 

Proper oral hygiene is non-negotiable for cigar smokers. With that, you have to brush thoroughly because those tobacco residues can cling to your teeth and gums all day long. What we can recommend is you use an electric toothbrush for better cleaning, as it’s more effective at removing stubborn stains and residues.

 

3. Drink water with lemon

 

Lemon water is a very excellent and natural remedy for cigar mouth. The acidity of lemon breaks down oils and neutralizes odors, while water hydrates your mouth.

 

How to Use:

• Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water.
• Sip and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds.

 

Lemon water also stimulates saliva production, helping to naturally rinse out the residue.

 

4. Chew sugar-free gums or mints

 

Chewing gum or sucking on mints increases saliva production, which helps clean your mouth. But this is the most important thing you need to remember if you were to do this more often! Always opt for sugar-free options with xylitol so you are not feeding the bacteria in your mouth.

 

Brands like Orbit Sugar-Free Gum and Altoids Arctic Mins are the most recommended brands for this.

 

5. Use baking soda and salt

 

Yup, baking soda and salt combination are not just for kitchen – it can be to get cigar taste out of your mouth as well! Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, and salt has antibacterial properties. Together, they make an effective homemade mouthwash.

 

Here’s quick recipe for you:

 

• Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
• Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds.

 

6. Try Green Tea

 

Green tea is literally everywhere. You can find it in your local grocery store or even in restaurants you eat in! Green tea contains polyphenols, which reduce bacteria and neutralize odors. Drinking a warm cup post-smoke not only helps freshen your breath but also soothes your throat.

 

If you want to upgrade this method, adding a slice of ginger to your green tea can act as an extra deodorizing power.

 

How long does cigar breath usually last?

 

As we mentioned earlier, cigar breath usually lasts all day long. However, it’s not all bad as it depends on the strength of the cigar, how much you smoked, and your oral hygiene habits. Here’s a general timeline:

 

Factor	Duration
Strong cigars	12–24 hours
Mild cigars	6–12 hours
After proper oral hygiene	1–3 hours

 

 

With the remedies we listed above, you can significantly shorten the duration of cigar taste and breath.

 

 

Top food and drinks to neutralize cigar taste

There are certain foods and beverages that are natural odor neutralizers. If you were to incorporate these to your post-cigar routine, it’ll help you eliminate the aftertaste faster than you can imagine. Here are some of the bests in the list:

Best Foods to Eat

• Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables:
  • Apples and carrots act as natural scrubs for your teeth.
  • Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that combats odors.
• Herbs:
  • Chewing fresh parsley or mint leaves can mask and neutralize cigar breath.
• Dairy Products:
  • Milk neutralizes nicotine and reduces tobacco’s aftertaste.

Best Drinks to Consume

• Lemon Water: A simple and effective remedy.
• Green Tea: Reduces bacteria and neutralizes bad breath.
• Milk: Coats your mouth to neutralize tobacco oils.
• Coffee: Its strong flavor can mask the cigar taste (but follow up with water to prevent coffee breath!).

 

Mint vs Mouthwash: Which works best?

Mints and mouthwash are undoubtedly two of the most popular remedies for cigar breath. The million-dollar question is: which one is better to eliminate cigar taste?

Mint

Function: Mints, especially strong varieties like Altoids or after-dinner mints, can temporarily mask the odor and taste of cigar smoke. They stimulate saliva production, which can help wash away some of the residues left in the mouth.

Effectiveness: While mints provide a quick fix for freshening breath, they primarily mask the odor rather than eliminate it. They do not address the underlying residues or compounds that contribute to “cigar mouth”.

Mouthwash

Function: Mouthwash, particularly those designed to combat bad breath, can help neutralize odors and remove residues more effectively than mints. Some mouthwashes contain ingredients that specifically target the compounds found in cigar smoke.

Effectiveness: Mouthwash is generally more effective at eliminating cigar breath because it can reach areas in the mouth that mints cannot. Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide or a strong mouthwash can significantly reduce lingering tastes and odors.

Overall, mints are ideal for a quick fix for cigar taste, and they’re much more portable. However, if you want a more thorough and long-lasting cleaning of your mouth, then a mouthwash is ideal for you.

 

How can you avoid cigar taste in the first place?

Just like anything else in the world, there are preventive measures you can take to deal with cigar mouth. Here are some practical tips to minimize the aftereffects of smoking cigars:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout your smoking session to wash away oils and residue.
• Use a Cigar Holder: This reduces direct contact with your lips, minimizing residue transfer.
• Brush Before Smoking: Starting with a clean mouth makes it harder for residue to cling.
• Pair with Neutralizing Beverages: Enjoy your cigar with drinks like whiskey, coffee, or green tea to balance the strong flavors.
• Limit Inhalation: Avoid drawing too deeply, as it intensifies residue buildup

 

Why oral hygiene matters for cigar smokers?

Long-term cigar smoking can lead to oral health issues, including:

• Stains on teeth.
• Increased risk of gum disease.
• Chronic bad breath.

Maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene routine is crucial for cigar enthusiasts. Regular dental checkups, professional cleanings, and daily care can prevent these problems.

 

Final thoughts

If you like to enjoy a company of fine cigar, it shouldn’t mean putting up with a lingering, annoying aftertaste. To get out of a cigar mouth, specialized mouthwashes and natural remedies like lemon water, ginger, and green tea are highly recommended by professionals. You can also take preventive measures like staying hydrated and brushing your teeth 3 times a day.

Once you have incorporated these tips to your routine, treating yourself with the rich flavor of a cigar doesn’t turn into an unwelcome bacterium that causes bad breath. So, the next time you light up one, enjoy the experience of a cigar without worrying what comes next.