If your child has a toothache, do not immediately resort to using painkillers because they may not be suitable for his/her age and self-medication may be harmful to the health of the child. The key is to help the child calm down, use a toothbrush to clean the tooth and floss it to remove any food debris that may have lodged in the interdental spaces. Add a pinch of salt to warm water and make your child rinse his/her mouth with it; this simple home remedy effectively acts against swelling and irritation. If the pain does not subside, take the child to a dental clinic. Dr. Sheppard also offers professional assistance over the phone for emergencies if the clinic is closed.