A chipped or broken tooth: what to do

Contact a dentist if you or your child chips, cracks or breaks a tooth, even if it does not hurt. Some small chips are straightforward to repair, while deeper fractures may affect the sensitive tissues inside the tooth. The appearance of the break does not tell the whole story.

What to do first

If you find a broken piece, put it in milk or saliva in a clean container and take it to the dentist. They may be able to reattach it. Do not keep loose pieces in a child’s mouth. Avoid chewing hard food on the damaged tooth while waiting for advice. The NHS guidance on chipped and broken teeth explains the first steps.

A whole tooth knocked out is a different injury and needs immediate dental advice. Do not treat it as an ordinary chip or wait for a routine appointment.

When is it urgent?

Seek urgent dental care for a dental injury, severe or persistent pain, or swelling. If you cannot contact a dentist, NHS 111 can help. Go to A&E or call 999 for a serious face or jaw injury, heavy bleeding from the mouth that will not stop, or severe swelling that makes breathing difficult. See the NHS urgent dental care advice.

Why do teeth break?

A knock, biting something hard or repeated clenching can damage a tooth. Decay and large restorations may leave it more vulnerable. This does not mean every fracture is the result of poor care, and no diet can guarantee that a tooth will not break.

If damage keeps recurring, ask the dentist to investigate the cause. Our guides to teeth that chip or crumble and teeth grinding explain related problems.

How can a dentist repair it?

Treatment depends on the depth and position of the fracture and how much sound tooth remains. Options can include reattaching the fragment, a tooth-coloured filling or a crown. Bonding uses composite material to restore shape; it is not a separate guarantee of a stronger or permanent repair.

If the pulp is exposed or damaged, the dentist will assess whether it can be preserved or whether root canal treatment is needed. Root canal treatment deals with the tissues inside the tooth; it does not simply strengthen it from within. A suitable restoration is needed afterwards. Some fractures extend too far for the tooth to be saved.

X-rays can help with assessment, but not every crack is visible on them. The Oral Health Foundation’s cracked tooth guide describes diagnosis and treatment.

Reducing further damage

Ask about a properly fitted mouthguard for contact sports and avoid using teeth as tools. Continue daily cleaning and follow the dentist’s advice about the repaired tooth. Discuss pain control or anxiety before treatment so the team can help.

For treatment estimates, contact Medical Dent. Current payment conditions are on our finance information page.