Common symptoms
- • A visible chip, crack or missing piece of tooth
- • A sharp edge catching the tongue or cheek
- • Sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure
- • Pain when biting on the affected tooth
- • Visible pink or red tissue if the nerve is exposed
Likely causes
- • Biting on something hard, such as ice or a bone
- • A fall, sports injury or blow to the face
- • A tooth weakened by a large filling or previous decay
- • Teeth grinding or clenching over time
What can help tonight
- • Rinse gently with warm water
- • Save any broken piece of tooth if you can find it, kept moist
- • Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum if you have it
- • Avoid chewing on that side and stick to softer foods
- • Take pain relief as directed if needed and safe for you
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Always follow the advice given to you by your dentist.
When it's an emergency
- • A knocked-out adult tooth (time-critical — see an emergency dentist immediately)
- • Heavy, uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
- • Facial swelling or signs of infection developing at the site
If any of these apply to you, call 999 or attend A&E now. Outside these signs, NHS 111 can advise out of hours.
What a ToothAid dentist can do online
A dentist can triage the damage from photographs and video, gauge whether the nerve is likely exposed, and advise on urgency and interim protection. Antibiotics are not usually needed for a simple chip unless there are signs of infection developing.
What needs in-person treatment
Repair such as bonding, a filling, a crown, or root canal treatment if the nerve is exposed must be carried out at a dental practice. A knocked-out tooth needs emergency in-person care as soon as possible for the best chance of saving it.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chipped tooth an emergency?
A small chip with no pain usually is not, but a fracture with exposed nerve tissue, significant pain, or a knocked-out tooth needs urgent attention. An online assessment can help you judge which applies.
What should I do if my tooth is knocked out completely?
Handle it by the crown (not the root), rinse it briefly in milk or saline if dirty, and try to reinsert it into the socket or store it in milk. See an emergency dentist within 30 minutes if possible, as timing is critical for adult teeth.
Can a chipped tooth get worse if I leave it?
Yes. Sharp edges can cut your tongue or cheek, and untreated cracks can worsen, expose the nerve, or let in bacteria, so it is worth having it assessed even if it is not painful.
Will I need a crown?
It depends on how much tooth structure is lost. Small chips can often be repaired with bonding, while larger fractures may need a crown or root canal treatment. Your dentist will confirm this in person.