Any time a toothache strikes, a cavity is the prime suspect. While decay is a likely cause of tooth sensitivity or pain, plenty of other factors can lie at the root of it as well. The best way to determine what’s really responsible for your discomfort is to consult a dentist. With over 20 years of experience treating patients, Kaneohe-based Steven A. Kumasaka, DDS is one of the most trustworthy resources in the Honolulu area for an accurate diagnosis of your symptoms.

According to Steven A. Kumasaka, DDS, here are some common culprits of a toothache:

• Cavities: When a tooth decays, the protective enamel around it gets eaten away, exposing the nerve and blood vessels underneath. There becomes less of a barrier between the nerve and the environment outside the tooth, and the contact between the two can cause pain.
• Infected Teeth Or Gums: Bacteria, which can build up from food trapped in the spaces between your gums and teeth, can lead to tooth and gum infection. When tooth pulp is infected, it can become inflamed, causing pain in your teeth. The pus that accumulates in your infected gums also contributes to the toothache pain.
• Bruxism: Commonly known as teeth grinding, bruxism is caused by a pattern of clenching teeth together, often unconsciously and in your sleep. The consistent grinding over many hours can make your jaw sore, increase the sensitivity of your teeth, erode enamel, and even chip your teeth. All of these can trigger pain. 
• Wisdom Teeth: When those four back teeth begin to push up and out of your gums behind your molars, they can trigger pain. If they’re coming in at an angle or if your jaw is too small for them to have the space to grow into, they can make your gums swell and cause pain.
• Medical Illness: Sometimes tooth pain can be a sign of a health problem that is more than just dental. If your toothache is accompanied by severe headaches, rashes, bleeding of the gums, or even chest pain, there could be heart or immune issues at play. The dentist may then advise you to see a doctor for closer examination.

If you experience the first signs of a toothache, Steven A. Kumasaka, DDS is available for consultation, including on Saturdays. For more information or to make an appointment, call him at (808) 247-2240, send him an email, or visit his website.