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Gums deserve love too

Gum Health Care at Kitto Family Dental

Teeth don’t last without healthy gums. We check your gums at every visit and treat problems early, while they’re still easier to turn around.

Call (805) 922-4109Book an exam
Three generations of a family laughing together outdoors
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS·Last updated
4.9 out of 5 from 473 Google reviews (as of October 2026). Read them on GoogleCaring for Santa Maria families for more than 40 yearsThree dentists accepting new patients

Healthy gums are the foundation.

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is the most common reason adults lose teeth, and in its early stages it is painless and reversible. Regular hygiene visits catch it early. Daily brushing and flossing keep it away.

What are the benefits of gum health care?

Less pink in the sink

Treating inflammation helps gums feel and look healthier.

Protects the bone

Controlling gum disease helps protect the bone that holds teeth.

Fresher breath

Removing bacteria below the gumline can improve breath.

Keeps your teeth

Healthy gums are the foundation for keeping natural teeth.

Numbers you can watch improve

You see your gum measurements and how they improve.

Fits your routine

Maintenance pairs with your regular cleanings.

The stages of gum disease.

  • Healthy gums. Pink, firm, don’t bleed when you brush or floss.
  • Gingivitis (early). Red, puffy, bleeds when you brush. Reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.
  • Early periodontitis. Infection has reached beyond the gumline. Deeper cleaning (scaling and root planing) stops the progression.
  • Advanced periodontitis. Bone loss has occurred around teeth. Treatment includes deep cleaning, more frequent maintenance, and sometimes surgical referral.

What we do to protect your gums.

Measurement at every visit

We measure the small space between gum and tooth (periodontal pocket depth) at every hygiene visit to catch changes early.

Scaling and root planing

A deeper cleaning for patients with early periodontitis. Done under local anesthesia, usually in one or two visits.

Maintenance cleanings

Patients with a history of gum disease typically need cleaning every three or four months to prevent recurrence.

Home care coaching

Daily brushing and flossing is the real work. We show you techniques that fit your mouth and your routine.

Specialty referral

For advanced periodontitis, we coordinate with a trusted periodontist for surgical treatment and then resume maintenance in our office.

Risk-factor conversation

Smoking, diabetes, and some medications affect gum health. We discuss your specific risk factors and how to manage them.

Four stages of gum diseaseStages of gum diseaseHealthyPink, no bleedingGingivitisReversibleEarlyperiodontitisDeep cleaning neededAdvancedperiodontitisBone lossEarly catches reverse. Later stages are managed, not reversed.
Gum disease progresses in four stages. The earliest stage is fully reversible with professional cleaning and daily home care.

Who you’ll see.

Portrait of Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Practicing since 2011, in the practice her father, Dr. Robert Kitto, founded. Full-scope family and restorative care.

Every doctor here sees kids and adults, and you can ask for the same doctor each visit. Meet all three dentists.

Insurance, minus the headache.

  • Most PPO plans welcome. We check your benefits before your visit, including deductible and remaining yearly maximum.
  • A written estimate first. For anything beyond a routine preventive visit, you see what insurance is expected to pay and what you owe before we begin.
  • We file the claim. You don’t need to send anything to your carrier yourself.
  • No insurance? No problem. We explain costs up front. Our membership plan covers routine care for one yearly fee, and CareCredit or Cherry financing can help with larger treatment.

Not sure what your plan covers?

Call with your carrier name and member ID. We’ll tell you what to expect before you book. Heads up: we don’t participate in most DHMO or Medi-Cal dental plans.

Check my coverage

Insurance and payment details

Why treat gum problems early?

Gum disease is often painless at first. Over time it can damage the bone that holds teeth in place, and teeth can loosen. Early care is simpler and can slow or stop that process.

Got questions? We’ve got answers

Have questions about gum health care?

How do I know if I have gum disease?
The earliest sign is bleeding when you brush or floss. Puffy or red gums, bad breath that doesn’t go away, or receding gums are also warning signs. A dental exam with pocket-depth measurement is the only reliable way to know.
Can gingivitis be reversed?
Yes. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is reversible with a professional cleaning plus consistent brushing and flossing at home. Most patients see improvement within a few weeks.
What is a deep cleaning?
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a deeper cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces so gums can reattach. Done under local anesthesia for comfort.
Does insurance cover periodontal treatment?
Most PPO plans cover scaling and root planing when clinically indicated, often at a higher benefit level than routine cleaning. Maintenance cleanings after SRP (every 3-4 months) may be covered. See our insurance page.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding is often an early sign of gum inflammation, called gingivitis. It can also come from brushing too hard or from some medicines. Read bleeding gums for causes and when to call.
How often do I need cleanings if I have gum disease?
Many patients with a history of gum disease do best with cleanings every three to four months instead of every six. We set the interval from your gum measurements and adjust it as things improve.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Untreated gum disease can damage the bone that holds teeth in place, and teeth can loosen over time. Early care can slow or stop that process. If teeth have already been lost, see options for missing teeth.
Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?
Yes. Before any treatment beyond your exam and cleaning, you get a written plan with a cost estimate. If you have insurance, we check your benefits first and file the claim for you. Your portion is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit or Cherry for larger treatment. See insurance and payment.

Why people love Kitto.

4.9

473 Google reviews as of October 2026.

Hear it from the neighbors

While you’re here.

Swipe for more. It all happens right here on East Main.

Light reading (for your teeth).

Patient guideHow Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?Twice a year fits most people. Here’s who needs more, or less.Patient guideIt Has Been Years. Where Do I Start?The first step back is smaller than you think. No lectures.Patient guideDental Emergencies: When to Call vs. When to WaitWhich tooth problems need same-day care, and which can wait.

We accept most PPO plans, CareCredit, Cherry, and offer a membership plan for patients without insurance.

Protect your gums. Protect your teeth.

Regular hygiene visits are the most reliable way to keep gums healthy.

Call (805) 922-4109Request an Appointment
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