Why do teeth have nerves?

[Salamanda]

I had to have my nerve removed from my tooth today and wondered why we have them. I had suffered awful toothache since xmas eve, its ok now but why are teeth so troublesome?

[orange-gnome]

its like any part of the body...how would we know there was anything wrong with the tooth if there were no nerves to tell us? I think that must be the reason. If there is a big hole in your tooth that needs a filling, you know because it it painful.Can't think of any other reason! Maybe someone call tell us

[jno]

I've been asking myself the same question, for the same reason. I suppose orange-gnome must be right (hello og, haven't seen you around for a while), but as you and I both now have nerveless teeth (several, in my case), I have to say they work just as well without. Regular visits to the dentist should be enough to tell you if they're developing cavities - at least, mine usually finds some.