Does Smoking Make Bruxism Worse? Teeth Grinding Explained

Reducing harmful lifestyle habits is something you'll often find recommended when reading about ways to manage bruxism. But can certain habits actually trigger or worsen teeth grinding?

Smoking remains relatively common among adults in the U.S. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 out of every 10 individuals use cigarettes, whereas 7% use e-cigarettes. Although smoking is already associated with various health risks, studies have also been conducted on the possibility that the usage of tobacco or nicotine may be related to bruxism.

In this blog, we'll look at how nicotine and tobacco may affect the nervous system, whether smoking can be linked to teeth grinding and clenching, ways to manage smoking and bruxism, and how a custom dental guard can help protect your teeth.

How Smoking May Affect Bruxism

So, could smoking actually make bruxism worse? Research has looked at possible links between tobacco use, sleep bruxism, and jaw muscle activity.

What Research Says About the Tobacco Use and Bruxism

It has been found out from several researches that there could be a possible association between tobacco smoking and bruxism. One large scale study conducted in Finland showed that the individuals who were into cigarette smoking or smokeless tobacco had more instances of bruxism. Heavier tobacco use was also linked to more frequent bruxism.

This doesn't prove that smoking causes teeth grinding, but it does suggest that tobacco use may be one factor worth considering.

Does Secondhand Smoke Affect Sleep Bruxism

Secondhand smoking may also be a contributing factor in case of sleep bruxism. In a study of 1,781 Japanese young adults, women exposed to secondhand smoke were more likely to have poorer sleep quality. Women who were not sleeping well also had a higher rate of sleep bruxism.

The same association wasn't found in men, so these findings may not apply to everyone.

Smoking and Muscle Activity

Smoking may also be connected to certain jaw muscle behaviors. One study found that the number of cigarettes smoked each day wasn't associated with awake bruxism. However, a longer smoking history was mildly associated with more frequent mandible bracing, or holding the jaw tense.

So, while smoking wasn't linked to awake bruxism overall, long-term smoking may be associated with certain types of jaw muscle activity.

How Nicotine and Tobacco Affect the Nervous System

Your nervous system has a vital role to play in controlling sleep and muscle activity, such as activities involving the clenching and grinding of teeth. Cigarette smoking affects you by introducing substances such as nicotine into the body through tobacco smoke.

Nicotine influences the central nervous system, and can therefore affect sleep, particularly if taken close to sleeping hours. Smoking and craving for the substance may also cause interruption during sleep.

Since sleep and muscle activity are both involved in bruxism, these effects may be worth considering when looking at the possible connection between smoking and teeth grinding.

How to Manage Smoking and Bruxism

If you smoke and grind your teeth, then altering your smoking routine will be helpful in decreasing your intake of nicotine and ensuring sound sleep. The following are some ways suggested by Mayo Clinic to cope with nicotine addiction:

• Cut back or quit smoking. Reducing tobacco use can limit your exposure to nicotine.
• Try the 4Ds. Delay the craving, distract yourself with another activity, take deep breaths, and drink water.
• Manage stress. Try walking, deep breathing, or another relaxing activity.
• Protect your teeth. If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom dental guard can help protect them.

Protect Your Teeth From Grinding and Clenching

If smoking may be contributing to your teeth grinding or clenching, a custom-made dental guard can help protect your teeth from the effects of bruxism. Made from your dental impression, our guards come in different thicknesses and styles, including clear, color, and multi-color options. A subscription plan also makes replacing your guard more convenient when it's time for a new one.

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