Chipped, broken or cracked tooth
Chipping, breaking or cracking a tooth is usually not serious. A dentist should be able to treat it.
If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.
This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.
Chipping, breaking or cracking a tooth is usually not serious. A dentist should be able to treat it.
See a dentist if you or your child has:
- chipped, cracked or broken a tooth
If a piece of tooth has broken off, put it in milk or saliva (by spitting into a container if it's your tooth, or having your child spit into a container if it's theirs) and take it to a dentist. The dentist may be able to glue the piece of tooth back on.
Do not go to a GP. They will not be able to give you dental treatment.
What the dentist will do
Treatments for a chipped, broken or cracked tooth may include:
- gluing the fragment of tooth back on
- a filling or a crown (a cap that completely covers the broken tooth)
- root canal treatment for a badly broken tooth where the nerves are exposed
Read more about dental treatments
