Dental emergency? Here’s what to do and who to call
Dentist Disaster

Chips, cracks & breaks

Chipped tooth

Routine5 treatment options

A small piece has broken off a tooth. Usually not serious, but worth getting checked. What to do now and how dentists repair chips.

How urgent is it? Routine

Book a dental appointment rather than waiting to see if it gets worse. If there is severe pain, a large piece is missing, or the inside of the tooth is exposed, treat it as a broken tooth and seek urgent dental care.

What it is

Chipping a tooth is common and, according to the NHS, usually not serious. It often happens when biting something hard, after a knock to the mouth, or on a tooth already weakened by decay or a large filling.

Even if it does not hurt, it is worth having a chip looked at. A dentist can check whether the damage has reached the inner layers of the tooth, smooth any sharp edges that could cut your tongue or cheek, and restore the tooth's shape so the chip does not spread.

If you can find the broken piece, keep it in milk or saliva and take it with you - a dentist may be able to bond it back on.

Signs and causes

Common signs

  • A rough or sharp edge you can feel with your tongue
  • A visible notch or missing corner on a tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet things around the chip
  • A sore tongue or cheek rubbing on the sharp edge

Usual causes

  • Biting down on hard foods, ice, fruit stones or bones
  • Falls, sports injuries and other knocks to the mouth
  • Teeth weakened by decay or large old fillings
  • Grinding or clenching the teeth

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.

  1. Dental bonding

    Small to moderate chips on front or back teeth, where tooth-coloured composite can rebuild the missing shape.

    Sometimes on the NHSCosmetic

  2. Fillings

    Chips on back teeth or where decay is also present.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  3. Veneers

    Chipped front teeth where there is enough healthy tooth left and appearance is a priority.

    Sometimes on the NHSCosmetic

  4. Crowns

    Larger chips that leave the tooth weak, or teeth that already have big fillings.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  5. Root canal treatment

    Only if the chip has exposed or damaged the nerve inside the tooth.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

What you can do now

  • Keep any broken fragment in milk or saliva and take it to the dentist
  • If a sharp edge is rubbing your tongue or cheek, mention it when you book - the NHS notes that chipped teeth can be smoothed down and filled
  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if it is sore, following the pack instructions
  • Chew on the other side and avoid very hot, cold or hard foods

Preventing it

  • Wear a mouthguard for contact sports
  • Avoid chewing ice, pens or other hard objects
  • Ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth
  • Keep decay at bay so teeth stay strong: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and limit sugary snacks

Common questions

Can a dentist stick my chipped piece back on?

Sometimes. The NHS says a dentist may be able to glue the fragment back, so store it in milk or saliva and bring it to your appointment.

Does a small chip need treatment?

Very small chips may only need smoothing and polishing, but a dentist should still check that there is no crack underneath.

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.

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Features & who it suits

Sources we used

Checked September 2026. Guidance changes, so always follow the advice of your own dental team. About our sources.