Pediatric Dentist in Jacksonville, FL
Comprehensive Children's Dental Care
Finding a pediatric dentist in Jacksonville, FL, who understands airway health alongside traditional dental care can transform your child’s oral health experience and support their long-term development. Children’s dental needs extend far beyond cavity prevention, encompassing proper facial growth, breathing patterns, and establishing healthy habits that last a lifetime.
At Airway Dental and More, Dr. Neil K. Stevenson, DMD, provides comprehensive children’s dentistry with a unique airway-focused approach. As a general dentist who treats patients of all ages, Dr. Stevenson combines expertise in pediatric care with advanced training in airway health and facial development. Our Jacksonville practice serves families throughout Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, with patients traveling from across the United States and internationally for our distinctive approach to children’s oral health.
Children's Dental Health Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report, approximately 11% of children aged 2 to 5 years have one or more primary teeth with untreated decay. Early dental intervention prevents these issues from escalating into painful infections, speech difficulties, or problems with permanent tooth development. Regular dental visits beginning at age one establish a foundation for healthy smiles and positive dental experiences throughout childhood.
Beyond treating existing problems, preventive pediatric dentistry identifies risk factors early. Children with high-poverty backgrounds show significantly higher rates of untreated decay, underscoring the importance of accessible, comprehensive dental care. Our Jacksonville practice provides exceptional care for all families, regardless of economic circumstances, because every child deserves healthy oral development.
Comprehensive Services for Growing Smiles
Our practice offers complete dental care tailored to each developmental stage. We provide thorough examinations and professional cleanings that remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing cavities before they start.
Preventive care services include fluoride treatments that strengthen developing enamel and dental sealants that protect permanent molars from decay.
When treatment becomes necessary, we use gentle techniques and advanced technology to ensure comfort. Digital X-rays minimize radiation exposure while providing detailed images for accurate diagnosis. For children who experience dental anxiety, we offer nitrous oxide sedation to create a stress-free, relaxed experience. Our approach emphasizes education, helping children understand their oral health and develop positive attitudes toward dental care that continue into adulthood.
Airway and Family Dentistry Financing Available
Comprehensive airway treatments and family dental care with flexible financing to improve your health and smile.
Airway-Focused Pediatric Dentistry: Our Unique Approach
What distinguishes our Jacksonville practice is our emphasis on airway health alongside traditional dental services. Many common childhood issues stem from airway obstruction or improper breathing patterns. Recognizing these connections allows us to address root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.
Understanding Pediatric Airway Issues
Children with airway concerns often exhibit specific signs that parents may not recognize as dental-related. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can significantly block the airway during sleep, leading to obstructive sleep apnea in children. Mouth breathing, while appearing harmless, delivers cold, dirty, dry, unsanitized air directly to the lungs and can indicate an obstructed nasal passage or enlarged adenoid tissue.
Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when a tight band of tissue binds the bottom area of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, affecting breathing, oral development, and proper oral rest posture. Our practice evaluates these conditions through comprehensive assessments, providing tongue tie treatment when appropriate.
A high arched palate represents a developmental, structural abnormality caused by improper tongue rest posture and function. This abnormal growth pattern narrows the nasal passages in width and height, restricting airflow and potentially leading to breathing difficulties. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, often signals an underlying airway issue while simultaneously causing additional dental problems if left unaddressed. Even prolonged thumb sucking can change the shape of the oral cavity and jaw, leading to malocclusions and potential airway concerns.
Our airway assessments identify these conditions early, allowing intervention during crucial developmental periods when treatment proves most effective. This proactive approach prevents complications from developing and supports optimal facial growth patterns.
Age-Specific Dental Care
Infants and Toddlers (Ages 0-3)
Early childhood represents a critical period for establishing oral health foundations. We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth emerging. These initial appointments focus on gentle examinations, parent education about proper cleaning techniques, and assessing developmental milestones.
For very young children, we evaluate feeding patterns, oral habits like pacifier use, and early signs of tooth decay. Parents receive guidance on fluoride needs, appropriate dietary choices, and strategies for managing teething discomfort. These early visits establish familiarity with the dental environment, reducing anxiety during future appointments.
Preschool Children (Ages 3-6)
Preschool years introduce important preventive treatments and habit formation. Children develop the coordination for supervised brushing, and we teach proper techniques through demonstration and practice. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants become appropriate during this stage, providing powerful cavity protection for developing teeth.
We monitor spacing between primary teeth, evaluate bite development, and watch for signs of premature tooth loss that could affect permanent tooth eruption. Early orthodontic evaluations identify potential concerns before they require extensive treatment, and our airway-focused approach ensures breathing patterns support proper facial development.
School-Age Children (Ages 6-12)
The mixed dentition phase, when children have both primary and permanent teeth, requires careful monitoring. Permanent molars erupt around age six and benefit significantly from dental sealants. We track permanent tooth eruption patterns, address cavities in primary or permanent teeth promptly, and provide guidance on caring for orthodontic appliances if treatment begins during this period.
School-age children benefit from increased independence in their oral hygiene routines, though parental supervision remains important. We encourage regular brushing and flossing habits while monitoring for early signs of gum disease. Sports participation often begins during these years, making mouthguard discussions relevant for protecting teeth during athletic activities.
Adolescents (Ages 13-18)
Teenage years present unique dental challenges. Wisdom teeth may begin emerging, requiring monitoring and potential extraction planning. Orthodontic treatment often continues or concludes during adolescence, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene with braces demands dedication. We address concerns about appearance, including teeth whitening discussions and cosmetic dentistry options appropriate for developing smiles.
Teens with airway concerns may benefit from continued monitoring and treatment adjustments as facial structures complete their growth. Our comprehensive approach ensures adolescents transition to adult dental care with healthy teeth, proper breathing patterns, and positive oral health habits firmly established.
Serving Jacksonville Families
Our practice proudly serves families throughout Jacksonville and surrounding communities, including Arlington, Riverside, San Marco, Mandarin, Southside, Orange Park, and St. Augustine. We welcome patients from across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, and our reputation for airway-focused care attracts families from throughout the United States and internationally.
Understanding that each child develops differently, we customize treatment plans to individual needs rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions. Our advanced technology includes 3D printers and scanners that allow precise treatment customization, along with airway assessment tools like WatchPAT, Pharyngometer, and Rhinometer that pinpoint specific challenges your child may face.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit
We strive to make every dental visit positive and stress-free. Your child’s first appointment includes a gentle examination of teeth, gums, and oral structures, along with an airway assessment to evaluate breathing patterns and facial development. We take time to answer parent questions and provide guidance on home care, nutrition, and developmental expectations.
Our welcoming environment and patient approach help children feel comfortable from their very first visit. We explain each step in age-appropriate language, never rushing through appointments, and celebrate every successful visit to build positive associations with dental care.
Experience Comprehensive Children’s Dentistry at Airway Dental and More
Dr. Stevenson’s transition from traditional general dentistry to an airway-focused mission represents his commitment to addressing the root causes of dental problems rather than merely treating symptoms. This holistic approach prioritizes airway health alongside exceptional dental care, supporting your child’s overall well-being and development. Our practice philosophy centers on genuine care, trust, and meaningful relationships with the families we serve.
We accept new patients and invite Jacksonville families to experience the difference airway-focused pediatric dentistry makes. Contact our office today to schedule your child’s comprehensive dental evaluation and take the first step toward optimal oral health and proper facial development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry
What makes Airway Dental and More different from traditional pediatric dentists in Jacksonville?
At Airway Dental and More, we go beyond traditional pediatric dentistry by taking a holistic, airway-focused approach to your child’s oral health. While we provide all standard pediatric dental services like cleanings, exams, and cavity fillings, we also evaluate how your child’s breathing, facial development, and sleep quality are connected to their dental health. Our Jacksonville team is specially trained in identifying airway issues many traditional pediatric dentists overlook, problems that can affect your child’s growth, behavior, sleep, and overall well-being. We consider the whole child, not just their teeth, and work collaboratively with parents to address underlying issues that may impact their long-term health. This comprehensive approach means we can prevent problems before they become serious and guide your child toward optimal development.
How often should my child visit the pediatric dentist in Jacksonville?
Most children should visit the pediatric dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings, though some children may benefit from more frequent visits depending on their individual needs. At Airway Dental and More in Jacksonville, we recommend children have their first dental appointment by age 1 or within six months of their first tooth erupting. These early visits establish a positive relationship with our team, allow us to monitor oral development, and provide parents with guidance on proper oral hygiene, nutrition, and habit management. Children at higher risk for cavities, those undergoing orthodontic treatment, or those with airway concerns may need to visit more frequently, every 3-4 months. During your child’s examination, we’ll create a personalized schedule based on their specific needs, growth patterns, and oral health status.
Does insurance cover pediatric dental services in Jacksonville, FL?
Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for pediatric dental services, including routine cleanings, exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments, and cavity fillings. At Airway Dental and More in Jacksonville, we work with most major dental insurance providers and accept Florida Medicaid and CHIP for eligible children. Coverage levels vary by plan, but preventive services are typically covered at 100%, while restorative procedures like fillings or crowns may be covered at 70-80% after your deductible is met. We’ll verify your insurance benefits before treatment and provide a detailed estimate of your out-of-pocket costs. For services like myofunctional therapy or certain orthodontic treatments, coverage may be limited, but our team will help you explore all available options. We also offer flexible payment plans to make quality pediatric dental care accessible for Jacksonville families.
What pediatric dental services do you offer for children with special needs?
Our Jacksonville practice is committed to providing compassionate, customized dental care for children with special needs, including those with autism, sensory processing disorders, developmental delays, and physical disabilities. We take extra time during appointments to help children feel comfortable and safe, using techniques like positive reinforcement, visual schedules, and desensitization exercises. Our team is trained in behavior management strategies and can modify treatment approaches based on each child’s unique needs and comfort level. We offer sedation options when appropriate and can schedule longer appointments or quieter time slots to minimize sensory overload. We also work closely with parents and caregivers to develop personalized oral hygiene strategies that work at home. Every child deserves excellent dental care, and we’re dedicated to making it happen in a supportive environment.
What should I expect during my child's first pediatric dental visit in Jacksonville?
Your child’s first visit to Airway Dental and More is designed to be positive, comfortable, and educational. During this initial appointment, we’ll gently examine your child’s teeth, gums, jaw, and bite, looking for early signs of cavities, developmental issues, or airway concerns. We’ll evaluate their oral development and discuss important topics like teething, thumb-sucking, pacifier use, proper nutrition, and establishing good oral hygiene habits at home. Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, we may perform a gentle cleaning and apply fluoride to strengthen their teeth. This visit typically lasts 30-45 minutes and focuses on building trust and creating a positive association with dental care. We encourage parents to bring their Jacksonville children in early, even before they have many teeth, to establish a dental home and prevent future problems. Our friendly team makes every effort to ensure your child leaves with a smile.
Trust Airway Dental and More for Your Child's Dental Care
Finding a quality pediatric dentist is essential for ensuring your child’s comfort, confidence, and long-term oral health. At Airway Dental and More, we provide comprehensive, airway-focused pediatric care designed to support your child’s development beyond just their teeth. Our gentle approach, advanced technology, and commitment to holistic dental care help create a positive experience promoting healthy habits for life. From routine cleanings to airway orthodontics and sleep-focused care, we tailor our treatments to meet your child’s unique needs.
We know a child’s first dental experiences shape their future attitudes toward oral care, which is why we strive to make every visit stress-free and enjoyable. Our experienced Jacksonville dentist ensures your little one receives exceptional care in a warm, welcoming environment. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Jacksonville, FL who prioritizes your child’s overall health and well-being, contact us today at (904) 268-4466 or visit our contact form to schedule an appointment.
