Kelly Ripa's 'Over-Brushing' Leads to Gum Surgery

Kelly Ripa has disclosed the reasons behind her recent absence from Live, revealing she underwent gum graft surgery. This periodontal procedure was necessitated by aggressive teeth brushing, which caused significant gum recession. Ripa explained that the surgery involved grafting tissue from the roof of her mouth to her gums to cover exposed tooth roots. A critical part of her recovery involved a strict ten-day vocal rest order from her doctor.

Ripa further shared that she had been delaying this necessary dental work for approximately five years. However, her dentist recently emphasized the critical need for the procedure, stating she no longer had the luxury of time. Her absence from Live lasted about two weeks as she healed. During this period, several guest hosts, including Kevin Jonas and Michelle Buteau, filled in alongside her husband and co-host Mark Consuelos.