It is common to break or chip a tooth and feel no pain. A small chip in the outer enamel often has no nerve involvement. Sometimes, though, a tooth does not hurt because the nerve inside has already died, which can lead to infection later.
Even without pain, a broken tooth can have sharp edges that cut your tongue or cheek, trap food, and break further. Getting it checked early usually means simpler treatment.
To protect it until you are seen: rinse your mouth, keep any broken piece in milk or a clean container, chew on the other side, and avoid very hard food. A pharmacy can sell temporary filling material or dental wax to cover a sharp edge.
Broken a tooth?
A UK dentist can assess it by video for £19.99, usually the same day.
Book a video consultationA dentist can look at the tooth on a video consultation, tell you how urgent it is, and help you arrange a repair. If you need to be seen in person, we can help you find a participating practice for a £39.99 assessment.
If a whole adult tooth has been knocked out, that is an emergency: hold it by the crown, rinse it briefly, put it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in milk, and get seen urgently.