First, check how serious it is
Go to A&E or call 999 if the injury is serious. That means a serious injury to your face or jaw, heavy bleeding that won't stop, severe swelling with trouble breathing, or a head injury that made you lose consciousness, be sick or see double. Don't drive yourself.
If it's only your teeth, stay calm and call a dentist. The NHS lists a knocked-out tooth or other injury to your teeth as an urgent dental problem.
If a tooth is knocked out
The NHS treats a knocked-out tooth as an emergency, even if you can't find the tooth.
An adult tooth
- Pick the tooth up by the crown, the white part. Don't touch the root.
- If it's dirty, rinse it gently in milk or saline.
- Try to push it back into the socket. Bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- If it won't go back, keep it in milk or in your mouth with your spit.
- Get to a dentist quickly.
A baby tooth
Don't push it back in. It could harm the adult tooth growing under the gum. Keep it in milk if you can and call a dentist for advice.
If a tooth is chipped or cracked
A small chip may not hurt. Even so, see a dentist. A chip can have sharp edges, and a crack can let germs in.
In the meantime:
- Rinse your mouth gently with water.
- Keep any piece you can find, and bring it with you.
- Eat soft food and avoid biting on the tooth.
- Take a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need one. Ask a pharmacist if you aren't sure which is right for you.
Call us soon if the tooth hurts, is sensitive to hot or cold, or you notice a swelling.
What a dentist can do
Your dentist will look at the tooth and may take an X-ray. What they suggest depends on the damage. A small chip might be smoothed or repaired. A larger break might need a filling or a crown. If the inside of the tooth is hurt, you may need a root canal. A tooth that can't be saved may need to come out.
Your dentist can't always save a tooth, and they won't promise results. They'll explain your options and the cost before they start.
Getting help
Call your dentist first. If they're closed, their answerphone should say what to do. If you have no dentist or can't get an appointment, call NHS 111 or use 111 online. You may have to pay.
Our phone line is open 24/7 for dental emergencies: 01205 337 000. Our guide price for an emergency appointment is £25. See our emergency appointments page.
Keeping your teeth strong helps. Regular check-ups can spot weak teeth early.