To understand why dental pain can be so severe, you must first understand what the anatomy of a tooth is like. On the outside of the tooth, we see the white enamel that is hard and strong and acts as a protective layer. The next inner layer is composed of dentin, a softer tissue with many tiny tubules that branch in all directions. The tooth's innermost layer is often referred to as the "pulp" cavity, which houses the blood vessels and nerves. The pulp nerves are some of the most sensitive nerves in the body. When the enamel wears down over time, the dentin tubules become exposed, and all irritants can easily reach the nerves. This close contact increases sensitivity and furthers pain.