Kelly Ripa has opened up about the everyday habit she believes contributed to a dental problem that eventually required gum graft surgery.
The 55-year-old Live with Kelly and Mark host recently stepped away from the daytime program while recovering from the procedure, with her husband, Mark Consuelos, previously confirming that she had undergone surgery to address receding gums.
Ripa has now provided more insight into what led to the treatment, admitting that her commitment to keeping her teeth clean may have gone too far.
‘I’m an Over-Brusher’
Speaking during an episode of her Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast recorded before the operation, Ripa described herself as an “over-brusher” while discussing the condition with guest co-host Michelle Buteau.
“I’m an over-brusher,” she said. “I brush my teeth too much. It’s a good-bad habit.”
Ripa explained that her brushing had contributed to gum recession, particularly around the lower part of her mouth.
“But I’ve caused gum recession down here specifically, and so they’ve got to re-gum my gums,” she said.
The television personality also revealed that the procedure was not something she had been eager to undergo, despite having known about it for years.
Ripa Had Delayed the Surgery for Five Years
Ripa said she had originally been advised to have the surgery around five years earlier but repeatedly postponed it.
Her dentist eventually made it clear that delaying the treatment was no longer an option.
“But now, the doctor was like, ‘Now, you don’t have the luxury of time,'” Ripa recalled.
When Buteau suggested that the operation sounded painful, Ripa agreed and revealed that her recovery would significantly affect her ability to speak.
“It is,” she said. “And I won’t be allowed to talk for ten days afterwards.”
What Gum Graft Surgery Involves
Gum graft surgery is used to address gum recession by covering exposed tooth roots and adding tissue to the gumline.
According to Cleveland Clinic, receding gums can develop for several reasons, including gum disease, naturally thin gum tissue and brushing the teeth too aggressively.
Recovery commonly takes between one and two weeks, although the healing period can vary.
Ripa’s admission highlights the distinction between maintaining good oral hygiene and using excessive force while brushing, which can contribute to damage around the gumline.
Mark Consuelos Confirmed the Surgery Was Painful
Consuelos provided an update on his wife’s condition on July 27 while explaining her absence from Live with Kelly and Mark.
“She’s doing well. She’s doing great,” he told viewers, before adding that she was not permitted to talk.
Guest Kevin Jonas joked that being unable to speak must have been particularly difficult for someone known for her conversational skills.
Consuelos agreed, explaining that Ripa was following her doctor’s instructions closely despite the restrictions.
“She’s such a great conversationalist, but I’m trying to help her follow the rules, follow the directions,” he said.
Ripa Was Put on a Strict Recovery Routine
Consuelos said Ripa had been instructed to eat soft foods during her recovery and avoid using a straw.
She was also told not to pull down her lip to examine the treated area.
“It’s painful,” Consuelos said, adding that the procedure was particularly uncomfortable for Ripa despite her reputation for having a high tolerance for pain.
He recalled that Ripa normally avoided using Novocaine during dental appointments, but said this particular treatment was different.
“But this one hurts,” he explained.
Her Absence Extended Into the Summer Break
Ripa ultimately missed around two weeks of the program before the show entered its scheduled summer hiatus.
During her absence, guest hosts stepped in to share presenting duties with Consuelos while she recovered.
A representative for Ripa previously said she was taking some time away from the program and that the show had “awesome co-hosts” filling in.
Ripa is expected to return when Live with Kelly and Mark begins its 39th season in September.
