Kelly Ripa Reveals ‘Good-Bad Habit’ That Led to Gum Graft Surgery and Extended Absence from Hosting“ Live”

**Kelly Ripa Shares Insight into Gum Graft Surgery on Podcast**

In a recent episode of her podcast, *Let’s Talk Off Camera*, Kelly Ripa opened up about her recent experience with gum graft surgery, which resulted in her temporary absence from the daytime talk show, *Live with Kelly and Mark*. The co-host, who is 55, shared the details of the procedure and the reasons behind it during her conversation with guest Michelle Buteau, the creator and star of *Survival of the Thickest*.

Recorded prior to the surgery on 12 August, Ripa candidly described the circumstances that led to her needing the dental procedure, which she admitted was “painful.” She noted that she would be restricted from speaking for a full ten days following the operation—a common stipulation for patients undergoing gum graft surgery. This type of procedure aims to address gum recession by transplanting healthy gum tissue to cover exposed tooth roots, thus promoting better oral health and reducing tooth sensitivity.

Ripa explained to Buteau that part of her issue stemmed from her tendency to meticulously care for her teeth, which she called being an “over-brusher”. She attributed her gum recession specifically to this 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 gotta re-gum my gums.” This level of candour about her dental habits provided listeners with an insightful glimpse into the realities of maintaining oral health.

Despite acknowledging the importance of addressing her gum issues, Ripa revealed that she had postponed the necessary surgery for several years. “Before you praise me, I was supposed to do it five years ago,” she admitted. The urgency of her situation became apparent when her healthcare provider emphasised, “Now, you don’t have the luxury of time.” This revelation underscored the significance of being proactive about dental health.

During her recovery, Ripa took a temporary leave from *Live*. She missed about two weeks of episodes, beginning on 27 July, where her husband and co-host Mark Consuelos explained her absence to viewers. Consuelos shared that Ripa was adhering to strict doctor’s orders to avoid speaking while she healed, a request that he humorously noted could be a challenge for her.

Kevin Jonas joined Consuelos as a guest co-host during Ripa’s recovery, and the duo provided updates to the audience on Ripa’s condition. Consuelos expressed to viewers that Ripa was sending her love while candidly mentioning the challenges posed by her procedure. He stated, “Yeah, it’s painful,” adding that Ripa typically has a high threshold for pain and often avoids anaesthetics during dental visits. However, he acknowledged that this specific procedure was a different experience.

Buteau later joined Consuelos on set, welcoming viewers while also sharing her own experiences, which highlighted the pressures and comedic moments typical of *Live*. Several other guest stars, including Mila Kunis, Jenna Dewan, and Sarah Chalke, filled in during Ripa’s absence, helping to maintain the lively atmosphere of the show.

Through her discussions on the podcast, Ripa aimed not only to share her personal journey but to also shed light on common dental procedures like gum grafting. Her candid approach may encourage others to consider their own dental health more seriously without the stigma often associated with seeking such medical interventions.

As she continues her recovery, Ripa’s insight into the impacts of dental health and hygiene habits serves as a reminder that even for public figures, health issues can arise unexpectedly and warrant prompt attention. Audiences can anticipate her return to the show, likely bringing renewed enthusiasm and insights into her journey.