You just finished a great cigar, but now your mouth tastes like the floor of a fireplace. That lingering smoke flavor, often called cigar mouth or cigar breath, is a classic side effect of the hobby. It’s not dangerous, but it can definitely kill the vibe.
Whether you're heading out on a date, back to work, or just trying not to taste burnt leaf all night, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to get rid of cigar taste, remove cigar aftertaste, and keep your mouth fresh after smoking.
What Causes Cigar Breath?
Cigar breath is caused by the thick smoke and oils from a cigar coating your mouth, tongue, teeth, and throat. Unlike cigarettes, cigar smoke is usually not inhaled, which means more of it stays in the mouth. That’s great for flavor, not so great for breath.
Cigars also contain natural oils and compounds that stick to your soft tissues. These compounds are what make the taste linger long after your last puff. If you’ve ever noticed your mouth tasting like smoke hours later, that’s the aftertaste hanging on.
How to Prevent Cigar Mouth Before It Starts
The best way to avoid dealing with cigar breath is to prevent it in the first place. These tips won’t eliminate it entirely, but they’ll reduce the intensity and make cleanup easier.
1. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your smoke. Water helps flush out the smoke residue, keeps your mouth from drying out, and reduces the cling of cigar oils.
2. Eat Something Crunchy
Foods like apples, celery, or carrots can scrub your teeth and stimulate saliva. They also help cleanse your palate, which reduces cigar aftertaste. Chewing while smoking might be bad form, but having a light snack afterward is fair game.
3. Smoke Less Often
Cigar taste and breath get worse with frequency. If you’re lighting up multiple times a day, expect the taste to linger longer. Giving your mouth time to recover between smokes makes a difference.
4. Don’t Smoke the Cigar Down to the Nub
The last inch of a cigar holds concentrated tar, nicotine, and heat. Smoking it too far can intensify aftertaste and lead to a bitter, harsh flavor that sticks with you. Know when to call it and let the cigar go while it's still enjoyable.
How to Get Rid of Cigar Breath Quickly
When cigar breath strikes, you need a remedy that actually works. These are the most effective cigar breath remedies for refreshing your mouth and removing cigar taste fast.
1. Oral Hygiene Routine
Brush your teeth thoroughly, including your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Don’t skip flossing, as tobacco particles can get wedged between teeth and keep releasing odor.
Follow up with a strong mouthwash or one designed specifically for smokers. A tongue scraper is especially helpful for removing stubborn residue.
Tip: Use a baking soda toothpaste or add a little baking soda to your brush. It neutralizes odor and helps with discoloration.
2. Special Mouth Rinses
If you're out of mouthwash, try a DIY rinse. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of warm water, swish it around, and spit it out. This helps neutralize odor-causing acids in your mouth. You can also try a rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar, though the flavor is a tradeoff.
3. Drinks That Neutralize Cigar Taste
Milk is surprisingly effective at coating your mouth and neutralizing smoke oils. Coffee and tea can also balance the flavor if you're trying to mask the aftertaste instead of remove it.
Sparkling water with lemon is another good option. The bubbles help clean your palate and the citrus cuts through heavy cigar oils.
4. Chewing Gum and Mints
Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on strong mints stimulates saliva, which naturally cleans your mouth. Gum with xylitol can also reduce bacteria. This is your go-to for fast relief if you're out in public.
5. Advanced Solutions
If cigar mouth is a frequent issue, consider investing in:
- Smoker-specific mouthwashes formulated to fight tobacco odor
- Breath sprays with antibacterial ingredients
- Cedar spills for lighting cigars instead of butane torches, which can contribute to harsh aftertaste
- Better-aged cigars, which tend to leave a cleaner finish in the mouth
How to Get Rid of Cigar Aftertaste
Cigar aftertaste is a slower fade. It hangs on your tongue and lingers in your throat, even when your breath smells fine. Here’s how to reset your palate.
- Drink citrus-based beverages like lemon water, lime soda, or even orange juice.
- Try ginger chews or ginger tea, which helps cleanse and reset your taste buds.
- Eat neutral or starchy foods like bread, crackers, or plain rice to absorb leftover oils.
- Wait it out with water: the longer you stay hydrated, the faster the taste fades.
Long-Term Cigar Breath Prevention Tips
If you smoke regularly, keeping cigar breath under control takes a little more effort. Here are a few habits to work into your routine:
- Clean your mouth right after smoking, not hours later. The sooner you rinse, the less it sticks.
- Use a humidor to store cigars properly. Overly dry cigars burn hotter and leave a harsher aftertaste.
- Brush and scrape your tongue daily, even on days you don’t smoke.
- Switch to cigars with smoother wrappers if you’re noticing bitterness or after-burn.
Final Thoughts
Cigar breath and cigar aftertaste are part of the deal, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them. With a few smart habits, the right products, and a little timing, you can enjoy your cigars and still feel fresh afterward.
Now you know exactly how to get rid of cigar taste, kick cigar mouth to the curb, and smell like someone who enjoys cigars, not someone who just kissed an ashtray.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does cigar breath last so long?
Cigar smoke contains oils and compounds that coat your mouth and cling to soft tissue. Unlike cigarette smoke, cigar smoke lingers more in your mouth instead of your lungs.
What is the best way to get rid of cigar breath fast?
Brush your teeth and tongue thoroughly, rinse with mouthwash, and chew gum or mints. A rinse with baking soda and water also works well in a pinch.
Does cigar breath mean the cigar was low quality?
Not always, but poorly made or dry cigars tend to leave a harsher aftertaste. Higher-quality cigars often burn cleaner and leave a smoother finish.
Can you fully eliminate cigar aftertaste?
You can reduce it significantly, but some flavor will linger for a few hours. Palate cleansers like citrus, ginger, and sparkling water help shorten the duration.
Is cigar mouth worse than cigarette breath?
Cigar breath is often stronger because cigars are bigger, burn longer, and aren’t inhaled. That means more of the smoke stays in your mouth and clings to your tissues.
