Chipped or cracked tooth: what to do

Chipping or cracking a tooth is common, and it ranges from a tiny cosmetic nick to a serious break that needs prompt care. Knowing what to do, and how urgent it is, helps you protect the tooth and get the right treatment. This article explains what to do when you chip or crack a tooth, and the options for fixing it.

First, how serious is it?

Not all chips and cracks are equal. A tiny chip to the edge of a tooth with no pain is usually a minor cosmetic matter. A larger break, especially with pain, sensitivity, or a sharp edge, is more urgent and needs seeing sooner. And a crack that reaches deep into the tooth can threaten it if not treated. So the first question is how much of the tooth is affected and whether there is pain, which guides how quickly you need to act.

What to do straight away

If you chip or crack a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure. A cold compress on the outside of the cheek can reduce any swelling. If you can find a broken piece of tooth, keep it, as your dentist may be able to use it. Avoid chewing on that side and be careful with very hot, cold or hard foods until it is seen. If there is pain, over-the-counter painkillers help while you arrange a dental appointment.

When it is urgent

See a dentist promptly if there is significant pain, a large break, bleeding that does not settle, or a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek. Severe pain or a break exposing the inside of the tooth needs urgent attention, as the tooth may be at risk. For a small painless chip, it is less urgent but still worth getting checked, since even a minor crack can worsen. When in doubt, contact a dentist for advice on how quickly you need to be seen.

How chips and cracks are fixed

Treatment depends on the severity. A small chip can often be smoothed or repaired with tooth-coloured bonding. A larger break may need a filling, bonding, or a crown to restore and protect the tooth, as our crown article explains. A crack reaching the pulp may need root canal treatment to save the tooth, followed by a crown. And a tooth broken beyond repair may need removing and replacing. The sooner it is assessed, the more options there usually are.

If it happens while abroad or after treatment

If you chip or crack a tooth while travelling, or damage dental work after treatment abroad, aftercare matters. Our remote photo follow-up can quickly assess a photo and advise how urgent it is, and our UK partner network can arrange an in-person look if needed. A minor chip may simply need monitoring; a significant break needs prompt care wherever you are. Knowing you can reach someone for advice turns a stressful moment into a manageable one, which is part of what real aftercare provides.