Kelly Ripa has opened up about the painful gum surgery that caused her to miss almost two weeks of hosting “Live With Kelly and Mark” as the season ended before the show’s scheduled summer break.
The former “All My Children” star revealed the details of the everyday hygiene habit that led to her health issue. She shared the news on the latest episode of her “Let’s Talk Off Camera” podcast.
All The Details Surrounding Kelly Ripa’s Surgery
GettyDuring the podcast episode, Kelly Ripa welcomed actress Michelle Buteau. She was a guest co-host during Ripa’s absence from “Live” with Ripa’s husband, former “All My Children” star Mark Consuelos.
In the segment, Ripa explained that she would not be “allowed to talk for 10 days.” The episode with Buteau was filmed before the procedure.
The reason she couldn’t talk? Ripa shared the graphic details. “They take the skin off of the roof of your mouth, and they put it [over your gums.]”
Ripa said she needed the surgery because she is “an over-brusher. I brush my teeth too much. It’s a good bad habit. So, they’ve got to re-gum my gums!”
However, listeners later learned that this particular procedure was supposed to take place five years prior. But Ripa put it off.
“Before you praise me, I was supposed to do it five years ago. But, now, just so you know, the doctor was like, ‘Now, you don’t have the luxury of time!’”
Her return date has yet to be announced. Episodes currently airing, per Entertainment Weekly, were filmed before Ripa’s procedure.
Mark Consuelos Shared Details About His Wife’s Bravery
DisneyOn July 27, Mark Consuelos opened up as to why his wife and “Live” co-host, Kelly Ripa, would be missing a series of shows.
People Magazine reported that Consuelos shared an explanation about Ripa’s surgery. He said she was one of the bravest people he knows.
“Kelly sends her love,” Consuelos told the morning show’s guest co-host Kevin Jonas. “Kelly had a little bit — well, it’s not a little — she had a gum graft surgery.”
“Her dentist said five years ago, ‘You can do it in about five years,’” Consuelos explained. “And she joked, ‘I didn’t think I’d still be on the air in five years!'”
“I’m trying to keep her to follow the rules, follow the directions,” the actor said. These directions included eating only soft foods, and avoiding straws.
Consuelos added, “It’s painful. But she famously doesn’t feel pain. When she goes to the dentist, she doesn’t use the Novocain. But this one hurts, so I know it’s bad.”
“Live With Kelly and Mark” went on its planned summer hiatus beginning Monday, August 10, 2026. The monthlong break runs through Labor Day, with new live episodes scheduled to return to ABC daytime on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Ripa’s painful ordeal is an honest reminder that even the simplest daily routines can sometimes do more harm than good. Hopefully, her willingness to share the gritty details helps viewers spot their own bad habits before they end up in the dentist’s chair.
