What is the best thing to do after smoking a cigar?

What is the Best Thing to Do After Smoking a Cigar?

Smoking a cigar can be a delightful experience for many, offering a moment of relaxation and indulgence. However, it’s essential to know what to do after smoking a cigar to maintain your health, freshen up, and ensure you’re feeling your best. In this article, we will dive into the best practices to follow after smoking a cigar, covering everything from immediate actions to oral hygiene. Let’s explore how to make the most of your cigar experience while taking care of yourself.

Immediate Actions to Take After Smoking a Cigar

Disposing of the Cigar Properly

Once you’ve finished smoking, the first thing you need to do is dispose of your cigar properly. This isn’t just about tidiness but also about safety and consideration for others. To do this, ensure the cigar is fully extinguished. Gently tap the ash into an ashtray and make sure the ember is completely out by crushing it in the ashtray. This prevents any risk of fire and reduces lingering smoke.

Reasons for Proper Disposal

Proper disposal is crucial for several reasons. First, it prevents accidental fires, which can occur if a lit cigar is left unattended. Second, it reduces the smell that can linger around your smoking area. Lastly, it shows respect for the environment and other people who might share your space.

Refreshing Your Breath

Using Mouthwash

After smoking, one of the best things you can do is to refresh your breath. Using mouthwash is an excellent way to eliminate the strong odor of cigar smoke. Choose a mouthwash that contains antibacterial properties to help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Recommended Brands:

Listerine Total Care: Known for its strong antibacterial properties.

Crest Pro-Health: Offers a good balance of cleaning and freshening.

TheraBreath Fresh Breath: Effective for long-lasting freshness.

Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth after smoking a cigar is another effective way to freshen your breath and maintain oral hygiene. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste that contains fluoride.

Procedure:

Rinse your mouth with water to remove loose particles.

Apply toothpaste to your toothbrush.

Brush your teeth gently but thoroughly for at least two minutes, making sure to reach all areas of your mouth.

Rinse your mouth again with water.

Products:

Colgate Total: Provides comprehensive cleaning.

Oral-B Pro-Health: Excellent for removing plaque.

Sensodyne: Ideal for those with sensitive teeth.

Chewing Gum or Mints

Chewing gum or mints can quickly neutralize odors and freshen your breath. This is a convenient option if you’re on the go and don’t have immediate access to a toothbrush or mouthwash.

Benefits:

Instant Freshness: Provides immediate relief from bad breath.

Saliva Production: Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.

Suggestions:

Altoids: Strong mints that provide powerful freshness.

Orbit Gum: Long-lasting flavor and freshness.

Listerine PocketPaks: Portable strips that dissolve in your mouth for quick freshening.

Hydration and Health

Drinking Water

Hydration is essential after smoking a cigar. Smoking can cause dehydration, leading to dry mouth and throat. Drinking water helps flush out toxins from your body and keeps you hydrated.

Importance: Water helps to cleanse your mouth, reduce dry mouth, and aid in overall hydration. It’s a simple yet effective way to combat the dehydrating effects of smoking.

Benefits:

Flushes Toxins: Helps remove the chemicals from smoke.

Hydrates Mouth and Throat: Reduces dryness and discomfort.

Overall Health: Supports general bodily functions and well-being.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are another great option for hydration after smoking. They not only help keep you hydrated but also offer various health benefits.

Types of Teas:

Green Tea: Known for its antioxidants and ability to neutralize free radicals.

Chamomile Tea: Soothes the throat and helps with relaxation.

Peppermint Tea: Refreshes the breath and aids digestion.

Health Benefits:

Antioxidants: Helps combat the oxidative stress caused by smoking.

Soothe Throat: Reduces irritation and dryness in the throat.

Relaxation: Provides a calming effect, enhancing your post-smoking relaxation.

Cleaning and Deodorizing

Washing Your Hands and Face

After smoking a cigar, the smell can linger on your hands and face. Washing these areas can help remove the odor and leave you feeling fresh.

Process:

Use a Mild Soap: Choose a soap that’s gentle yet effective.

Lather Well: Make sure to create a good lather to break down oils and residues.

Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse with warm water to ensure all soap and residues are removed.

Products:

Dove Beauty Bar: Gentle and effective for both hands and face.

Neutrogena Facial Cleanser: Good for removing residues from the skin.

Method Gel Hand Wash: Effective at eliminating odors and gentle on the skin.

Changing Clothes

Smoke can cling to your clothes, making the smell persist long after you’ve finished your cigar. Changing your clothes can help you feel fresh and prevent the odor from spreading.

Reasoning: Smoke particles can embed themselves in fabric, causing the smell to linger. Changing clothes immediately helps contain the smell and prevents it from transferring to other surfaces.

Tips:

Store Clothes Properly: Place smoked-in clothes in a well-ventilated area or a sealed bag until you can wash them.

Use Odor Eliminators: Products like Febreze can help neutralize odors on fabrics.

Relaxation Techniques

Light Exercise

Engaging in light exercise after smoking a cigar can help you feel rejuvenated and reduce the effects of nicotine.

Types of Exercise:

Walking: A simple way to get your blood flowing and clear your lungs.

Stretching: Helps to relax your muscles and improve circulation.

Benefits:

Increased Circulation: Helps remove toxins from your body faster.

Reduced Nicotine Effects: Physical activity can help mitigate the effects of nicotine on your body.

Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises can help you relax and clear your lungs after smoking.

Methods:

Find a Comfortable Position: Sit or lie down in a relaxed position.

Inhale Deeply: Take a slow, deep breath through your nose.

Hold Your Breath: Hold your breath for a few seconds.

Exhale Slowly: Exhale slowly through your mouth.

Advantages:

Calming Effect: Helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Improves Lung Capacity: Assists in clearing your lungs and improving your breathing.

Skincare After Smoking

Moisturizing

Smoking can dry out your skin, so it’s important to moisturize after smoking a cigar.

Importance: Moisturizing helps to restore hydration and maintain the health of your skin.

Products:

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: Provides long-lasting hydration.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost: Lightweight and effective for dry skin.

Eucerin Advanced Repair: Good for extremely dry or sensitive skin.

Using a Facial Mask

Using a facial mask can help rejuvenate your skin and remove impurities after smoking.

Types of Masks:

Clay Masks: Helps to draw out impurities and reduce oiliness.

Sheet Masks: Provides hydration and nourishment.

Charcoal Masks: Effective for deep cleansing.

Application Tips:

Cleanse Your Face: Start with a clean face.

Apply the Mask Evenly: Make sure to cover all areas of your face.

Follow Instructions: Leave the mask on for the recommended time.

Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse with warm water and pat your face dry.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health, especially if you smoke cigars.

Frequency: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings.

Benefits:

Early Detection: Helps identify and address issues early.

Professional Cleaning: Removes plaque and tartar buildup.

Oral Health Education: Provides personalized advice for maintaining oral health.

Using a Water Flosser

A water flosser is a great tool for maintaining oral hygiene after smoking.

How to Use:

Fill the Reservoir: Fill the water flosser’s reservoir with water.

Select a Setting: Choose a comfortable pressure setting.

Floss Gently: Direct the stream of water between your teeth and along the gumline.

Recommendations:

Waterpik Aquarius: Highly effective and easy to use.

H2ofloss Water Dental Flosser: Portable and convenient for travel.

Panasonic EW-DJ10-A: Compact and ideal for small spaces.

Conclusion

Taking care of yourself after smoking a cigar involves several steps, from immediate actions like disposing of the cigar properly and refreshing your breath to longer-term practices like maintaining oral hygiene and skincare. By following these steps, you can enjoy your cigar experience while minimizing any negative effects. By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can ensure that you enjoy your cigar experience to the fullest while taking care of your health and well-being.