What should I do if I cracked or broke a tooth?
A cracked or broken tooth should be seen by a dentist soon, even if it doesn't hurt much — the damage can worsen and let infection in. Here are safe steps to protect it and ease discomfort while you arrange care.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ralph Jose, DDS — June 8, 2026
Call 911 or go to the ER for these signs
Some dental problems are medical emergencies. Get emergency care right away if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the face, jaw, floor of the mouth, or neck — especially if it is spreading
- Swelling that affects your eye or makes it hard to open your mouth
- A high fever combined with mouth or facial swelling
- Bleeding that won't stop after 10–15 minutes of firm pressure
- A knocked-out adult tooth, or an injury to the jaw, head, or face
When in doubt, consider it an emergency and seek care now.
A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth ranges from a minor cosmetic chip to a serious break that exposes the inside of the tooth. Even when it doesn’t hurt, it’s worth having a dentist look, because cracks can deepen and let bacteria in. This is general guidance, not a diagnosis — a dentist needs to examine the tooth.
What to do now
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area.
- Save any broken piece if you can find it, and keep it moist.
- Control swelling with a cold compress on the outside of your cheek.
- Protect the tooth — avoid chewing on it, and cover a sharp edge with dental wax or a piece of sugarless gum if it’s cutting your tongue or cheek.
- See a dentist soon. Sooner is better for pain or a large break; even a small chip should be checked before it worsens.
When it’s more urgent
Severe pain, bleeding, a tooth pushed loose or out of position, or a break caused by a blow to the face all warrant urgent care. Any injury involving the head, jaw, or face should be evaluated promptly — and if it involves the emergency signs above, get emergency medical care first.
What MediMouth can help with
We help you find care, not treat you. Tell us what happened and we’ll help you find a dentist near you — including urgent and same-day options when you need them quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chipped tooth an emergency?
A small chip without pain usually isn't an emergency, but it should still be seen so it doesn't worsen. A large break, severe pain, bleeding, or a tooth knocked loose by an injury should be treated urgently — and any injury to the head or jaw needs prompt medical attention.
Should I keep the broken piece of tooth?
Yes — if you can find it, keep it (in milk or clean water for a fragment with attached tooth structure) and bring it to the dentist. They can assess whether it's useful.
How do I protect a broken tooth until I'm seen?
Rinse with warm water, use a cold compress for swelling, avoid chewing on that side, and cover a sharp edge with dental wax or sugarless gum if it's irritating your tongue or cheek. These are temporary comfort steps, not a fix.