Kelly Ripa has disclosed that a habit of brushing her teeth too frequently and too aggressively resulted in receding gums and a subsequent gum graft surgery. The host of "Live with Kelly and Mark" stepped away from the show in late July for the procedure, which her husband, Mark Consuelos, had described as "painful."
Ripa shared these details on her podcast, "Let's Talk Off Camera," explaining that she is an "over-brusher." This habit, she admitted, caused gum recession, necessitating the surgery to "re-gum my gums."
She acknowledged that the procedure was painful and would require her to refrain from talking for ten days afterward. Ripa also revealed she had postponed the surgery for five years, but her doctor advised her that she no longer had the "luxury of time."
According to the Cleveland Clinic, gum graft surgery is performed to cover exposed tooth roots and add volume to the gum line, thereby improving oral health. While gum recession can be linked to gum disease or genetics, aggressive brushing is also cited as a cause.
Consuelos had previously updated viewers on Ripa's condition on "Live with Kelly and Mark," stating she was recovering well but was not permitted to speak. He noted that the recovery involved restrictions such as eating soft foods, avoiding straws, and not pulling on her lips to examine the surgical site. Consuelos added that Ripa, who he described as famously not feeling pain and often forgoing Novocaine at dental appointments, found this particular surgery to be very painful.
Ripa is expected to return to "Live with Kelly and Mark" in September for the show's 39th season premiere, following a summer hiatus.