Chipped, broken or cracked tooth
Non-urgent advice: 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.
How to see a dentist in an emergency or out of hours
For urgent dental treatment:
- call a dentist – if they're closed, their answerphone may say what to do
If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment:
- call 111 – they can advise you what to do
- find a dentist near you – ask for an emergency appointment
You may have to pay for your appointment.
Read more about NHS dental charges
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
Page last reviewed: 9 January 2025
Next review due: 9 January 2028