Overview

If you have chipped, broken or cracked a tooth, make a dental appointment.

If a large 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 the dentist.

If you don't have a dentist or can't get an urgent appointment, call your local Dental Helpline. They may ask you a series of questions to understand the problem and how soon you need to be seen and NHS dental appointments available in the area.

Don't go to your GP. They won't be able to give you dental treatment.

What the dental practice will do

A dentist will assess your tooth and advise you on the options for treatment.

At an urgent appointment, they may suggest in the first instance:

• gluing the fragment of tooth back on
• a temporary filling
• removal of the remaining tooth if it cannot be saved

They may suggest you need to return for further treatment which may be:

• replacement of the temporary filling with a permanent one
• a crown (a cap that completely covers the broken tooth)
• root canal treatment for a badly broken tooth where the nerves are exposed
• removal of the remaining tooth if it cannot be saved

What can be done while you wait?

• soft diet and avoid biting on these teeth if they are tender
• avoid really hot or cold food and drink (e.g. hot drinks, ice cream)
• if it’s painful, try using painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (follow the dosing instructions on the packet). Remember that different brand names can contain the same painkillers

The videos below have more advice

Easing toothache.

When and where to seek advice on dental care.