Taking your child to the dentist for the first time can feel like a significant milestone filled with excitement and nervousness. However, a positive experience early on helps build confidence and encourages healthy dental habits that last a lifetime. Pediatric dentistry isn’t just about checkups and cleanings – it also teaches kids how to care for their smiles to prevent cavities, discuss speech issues, do tethered tissue and facial growth assessments, and evaluate orthodontic concerns. With a gentle approach and tailored care, pediatric dentists help create an environment where kids feel safe and supported while receiving essential dental care.
At Airway Dental and More, our Jacksonville dentists take a holistic, airway-focused approach to pediatric dentistry, ensuring your child’s oral health supports their overall well-being. Our advanced technology and gentle techniques create a comfortable, stress-free experience, making dental visits something to look forward to. We focus on prevention, education, and early intervention to help growing smiles stay healthy for life. With a welcoming environment and a team that truly cares, we’re here to provide exceptional care for your little one.
Children’s dental needs differ from those of adults, making pediatric dental care an essential part of a child’s health journey. Pediatric dentistry focuses on children’s unique oral health challenges throughout their early years. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should have their first dental exam by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth. These early dental visits prevent cavities and can help your dentist detect potential issues before they worsen. They also allow dentists to educate parents and children on proper oral hygiene habits to set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
A quality pediatric dentist understands each child is unique and provides care based on their needs. By focusing on prevention and airway health, Airway Dental and More aims to reduce the need for invasive treatments and promote positive dental experiences from an early age.
Comprehensive airway treatments and family dental care with flexible financing to improve your health and smile.
A comprehensive dental practice goes beyond routine checkups and offers services tailored to patients of all ages. At Airway Dental and More, we offer services for young patients to ensure their oral health remains excellent. Here are some core pediatric services we offer in Jacksonville, FL:
Preventative care is the foundation of pediatric dentistry. Regular exams and cleanings help keep cavities at bay and ensure developing issues are addressed quickly. These general services include:
These essential services help maintain your child’s oral health while ensuring they feel worry-free and confident during each visit.
Arch development supports breathing, chewing, and alignment of the teeth and supporting structures. To detect developmental concerns, pediatric dentists monitor jaw growth, bite alignment, and facial structure. If a child’s facial growth is not progressing, interventions can be taken to encourage proper development and growth.
Did you know dental health is closely related to sleep quality? Some children experience issues like mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep apnea due to improper airway development. Pediatric dentists trained in airway-focused dentistry can identify and address these concerns to help children breathe better and sleep more soundly.
Traditional orthodontics focuses on straightening teeth, but airway-focused orthodontics takes a broader approach to ensure your child’s jaw and airway develop correctly. If a child has a narrow pallet or poor jaw alignment, it can lead to difficulties in breathing, speech, and sleep. At Airway Dental and More, we utilize orthodontic appliances like arch development devices, functional appliances, and space maintainers to help improve your child’s airway and dental health.
Tongue and lip ties occur when the tissue connecting the tongue or lip to the mouth is too tight, restricting proper movement. This condition can cause challenges with breastfeeding, speech development, and even orthodontic concerns. A pediatric dentist trained in tongue and lip tie releases can perform a minimally invasive procedure to correct the issue. This, paired with myofunctional therapy, allows for improved function and comfort.
Choosing the right pediatric dentist in Jacksonville, FL. is a big decision. Here are some key factors to consider when looking for a dentist to treat your little one:
Because your child’s oral health is integral to their overall health, finding the right pediatric dentist can make a massive difference in ensuring they receive exceptional care while building a positive relationship with their oral health. If you are looking for a quality pediatric dentist who understands the unique needs of their littlest patients, please contact us at Airway Dental and More to schedule an appointment.
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 that many traditional pediatric dentists overlook—problems that can affect your child’s growth, behavior, sleep, and overall wellbeing. 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.
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 that 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.
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 specialized 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.
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 that happen in a supportive, understanding environment.
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.
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 that promotes 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 understand 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.
