This study explores the complex relationship between smoking and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), highlighting mechanisms such as inflammation, muscle tension, impaired healing, and altered pain perception. Smoking’s impact on circulation and stress responses may increase susceptibility to TMDs and hinder recovery. While nicotine offers short-term relief, its long-term effects exacerbate pain sensitivity and anxiety. This research underscores the need for further investigation into how lifetime smoking behavior influences TMD risk and chronicity, providing insights for improved management of TMDs in smokers.