# Brightside Dental Journal

> Friendly, dentist-reviewed guides to healthier smiles for the whole family.

## Articles
- [Your Child's First Dental Visit: When to Go and How to Prepare](https://journal.example.com/articles/first-dental-visit-for-kids/): Book your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth. Here's what happens and how to make it a good experience.
- [Scaling and Polishing: What to Expect at Your Appointment](https://journal.example.com/articles/scaling-and-polishing-what-to-expect/): A step-by-step look at a dental scale and polish, how long it takes, whether it hurts, and how to keep your teeth cleaner between visits.
- [How Often Should You See a Dentist? A Plain-English Guide](https://journal.example.com/articles/how-often-should-you-see-a-dentist/): Most adults need a check-up every six months, but your ideal interval depends on your gum health, decay risk and history. Here's how to tell.

## Glossary
- [Plaque](https://journal.example.com/glossary/plaque/): Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth every day. Brushing and flossing remove it before it hardens into tartar.
- [Scaling](https://journal.example.com/glossary/scaling/): Scaling is a professional cleaning that removes tartar from the teeth above and below the gumline, usually followed by polishing.
- [Tartar](https://journal.example.com/glossary/tartar/): Tartar (dental calculus) is plaque that has hardened on the teeth. It can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist during scaling.