Kelly Ripa Talks Gum Graft Surgery, Revealing the Truth Behind Her Recent Health Issues

Kelly Ripa, a popular American television host, has recently made headlines after revealing the reason behind her recent two-week absence from Live With Kelly and Mark. On July 27, her husband, Mark Consuelos, announced on the show that Ripa had undergone gum graft surgery, and she was 'doing great.' However, in a prior episode of her podcast, Let's Talk Off Camera, recorded before the procedure, Ripa shared that the decision to undergo surgery was a long time coming.

'I was supposed to do it five years ago,' Ripa told her podcast guest, Michelle Buteau, according to People. 'But now, just so you know, the doctor was like, 'Now, you don't have the luxury of time.' Ripa, who has been hosting Live With Kelly and Mark since 2001, has been taking her health seriously, and it's a testament to her dedication to her physical and mental well-being. This decision to have the surgery is also a great example of how taking care of one's health should be a priority.

So, what exactly is gum graft surgery? According to the Cleveland Clinic, it's a dental procedure that treats gum recession by covering exposed tooth roots and adding volume to the gum line. The surgery typically has a one-week or longer recovery period. Ripa's decision to have the surgery may have been a long time coming, but it's great that she's taking proactive steps to maintain her oral health and overall well-being.

Now, let's talk about the recovery process. Ripa revealed that the surgery was indeed painful and that she was not allowed to talk for 10 days after the procedure. She even joked about being stressed out about not being able to communicate with her loved ones for such a long time. 'We're already managing my stress level for not being able to talk for 10 days,' she quipped. The recovery process can indeed be challenging, but Ripa's attitude towards it is a testament to her resilience and adaptability.

As for why Ripa has experienced gum recession, she jokingly attributed it to her over-brushing habit, saying, 'I brush my teeth too much. It's a good-bad habit. But I've caused gum recession down here, specifically, and so they have got to re-gum my gums.' Ripa's openness about her dental issues may help educate others about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

Mark Consuelos also had some funny comments about Ripa's surgery when he announced her two-week absence from Live on July 27. 'Her dentist said five years ago, 'You can do it in about five years,' he stated. 'And she joked, 'I didn't think I'd still be on the air in five years.' It's clear that Ripa and Consuelos have a loving and playful relationship.

During Ripa's time off, the show was guest-hosted by several celebrities, including Kevin Jonas, Mila Kunis, Pamela Adlon, Scott Foley, and Carrie Coon, among others. Ripa's return to the hosting desk was met with a warm welcome, and she was back with live episodes on September 8, marking the show's Season 39 premiere.

Kelly Ripa is indeed a shining example of how taking care of one's health and maintaining a positive attitude towards challenges can lead to success. Her commitment to her well-being and her dedication to her fans is truly admirable, and we can't wait to see what's next for this talented and resilient television host!