How urgent is it? Urgent
Contact a dentist immediately - the NHS says a badly broken adult tooth should be treated within 30 minutes to 1 hour if possible. If you cannot get an appointment, call NHS 111. Go to A&E or call 999 for serious facial injuries, uncontrolled bleeding or a head injury.
What it is
A broken tooth is more than a small chip: a large part of the tooth has come away, the tooth may be split, or the soft centre of the tooth may be showing. It can happen after a fall, a sports injury or biting something hard, or on a tooth already weakened by decay.
The NHS advises that a badly broken adult tooth needs treatment as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes to an hour. Call your dental practice straight away; if it is closed or you do not have a dentist, get advice from NHS 111.
If there are other injuries - heavy bleeding that will not stop, injuries to the face or jaw, or a head injury that caused loss of consciousness, vomiting or double vision - go to A&E or call 999.
Signs and causes
Common signs
- A large piece of tooth missing or a tooth split into pieces
- The soft inner part of the tooth showing where it has broken
- Pain, especially with biting, hot or cold
- Bleeding from the tooth or gum
Usual causes
- Falls, sports and other accidents
- Biting on something very hard
- Teeth weakened by decay, large fillings or previous root canal treatment
- Grinding and clenching
Ways to fix it
The options a dentist may discuss with you, and when each one tends to be used. Which one suits you depends on an examination.
What you can do now
- Keep any broken pieces in milk or saliva and take them with you
- Rinse gently and press a clean cloth on any bleeding
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain, following the pack instructions (children under 16 should not take aspirin)
- Avoid chewing on the broken tooth
Preventing it
- Wear a properly fitted mouthguard for contact sports
- Treat decay early so teeth are not left weak
- Ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth
Common questions
What counts as an emergency?
A knocked-out tooth or other injury to the teeth is a reason to ask for an urgent dental appointment or contact NHS 111. A badly broken adult tooth should ideally be treated within an hour.
Can a broken tooth be saved?
Often, yes - with a filling, crown or root canal treatment depending on how deep the break goes. If it is split into the root, it may need to be removed.
Should I see my GP?
No. The NHS advises not to go to a GP with a dental problem, because they cannot provide dental treatment. Contact a dentist, or NHS 111 if you cannot get an appointment.
Products that may help at home
These support good daily care; they don’t replace treatment from a dentist. Some links may be affiliate links.
OPRO Gold self-fit sports mouthguard
A UK-made self-fit sports guard moulded at home. The Oral Health Foundation recommends a custom-made mouthguard from your…
Corsodyl Intensive Treatment Mouthwash Mint (chlorhexidine 0.2%)
A medicated mouthwash containing chlorhexidine for short-term treatment of gum problems and mouth ulcers – not an everyday…
TePe Bridge & Implant Floss
Pre-cut spongy floss with stiff ends that thread under wires, bridges and around implants – handy for anyone with fixed braces.
TePe Compact Tuft
A single-tuft brush for precision cleaning where a normal brush struggles – around brackets, along the gumline, crowded teeth…
Sources we used
- NHS: Dental treatments
- NHS: Emergency or urgent dental appointments
- NHS: Chipped, broken or cracked tooth
- Oral Health Foundation: Cracked teeth
- NHS: Toothache
Checked September 2026. Guidance changes, so always follow the advice of your own dental team. About our sources.