How to Freshen Up After Smoking

One of my favorite things to do when I’m waiting for my significant other to get ready for a big event is to relax and smoke a cigar. If you’re anything like me, you probably like to do the same. But when it’s time to leave home, hit the town and make a good impression, the last thing you want is nasty cigar breath. Fortunately, I’ve got some helpful pointers that always keep my breath smelling good. And it’ll work for you, too. 

Smoke quality cigars

My first recommendation is to start with a quality cigar. In my many years of experience, high quality cigars generally leave behind a more desirable aftertaste—which, in turn, leaves you with a better mouthful of breath.

Keep your pallet hydrated

It’s always a good idea to stay hydrated, but even more so when you smoke a cigar. Smoking a cigar with a dry mouth not only leaves your breath smelling undesirable, but it also makes the cigar less enjoyable. If you’re going to smoke a cigar, you want to enjoy it.

Use mouthwash

Now, this seems like an obvious answer, and I suppose it is. Mouthwash is one of the most effective way to combat bad breath in general, but especially after smoking a cigar. I recommend using a mouthwash designed to fight bad breath, such as SmartMouth or TheraBreath. Some people even swear by using 3% hydrogen peroxide, which is basically one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water. (Just make sure not to swallow.) Regardless of what mouthwash method you choose, be sure to gargle for a minimum of 60 seconds for the maximum effect.

Brush your mouth and tongue

This is another obvious solution to fighting the bad breath left behind by a cigar. But it’s even more effective when you brush not only your teeth but also your tongue. The end result will be an overall improvement of your mouth hygiene, which I’m sure everyone can agree is a good thing. Again, don’t forget your tongue. That’s where a lot of bacteria and germs gather, so don’t skip this important step.

Drink a glass of green tea

A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology suggests that drinking traditional green tea may be even more effective at fighting bad breath than chewing gum, fresh mint, or products that contain parsley oil. This can be accredited to its ability to cover up strong odors.

Take a swig of lemon juice

Sound undesirable? I get it. But having a quick and hopefully painless shot of lemon juice after you smoke a cigar can do wonders for that ashtray taste and cigar breath. Lemon juice has strong antibacterial properties that help neutralize odors. Is lemon juice too tart for you? I get that. You don’t have to grin and bear it, though. Try mixing the juice of one lemon with a full glass of water and you’ll have fresh breath in no time.