Kelly Ripa isn’t holding back about her latest medical ordeal.
Upon her return to “Live with Kelly and Mark” after over a month’s hiatus, the daytime talk show host shocked co-host and husband Mark Consuelos—and viewers at home—by opening up about a painful gum surgery procedure. Known for her unfiltered honesty and quick wit, the 55-year-old former “All My Children” star detailed the agonizing recovery process, turning a grueling dental procedure into a candid, highly relatable moment.
Kelly Ripa Said She’s ‘Getting Better’ With Oral Hygiene Habits After Painful Surgery
In an interview with People Magazine, Kelly Ripa revealed that her oral health issue came after “over brushing” and “over flossing” her teeth. Not from neglect of her oral health.
“I’m getting better,” Ripa insists. “I’m retraining myself. I host a morning show. I know when there’s bad dental hygiene involved. It’s a good-bad habit, or a bad-good habit.”
She explained, “[I’m] so much better. It was fine. It was definitely necessary. I delayed it for five years. I really did because I was like, ‘I’ll wait until I retire.’ And then, eventually my dentist was like, ‘Okay, now we have to finish it.’”
Mark Consuelos noted that Ripa didn’t follow doctor’s orders well. She responded, “Oh, I was talking the whole time. I was talking like crazy. He was like, ‘You’re not supposed to be talking.’ I’m like, ‘I’m fine!’ It did look weird, though, when I talked.”
She continued, “What was funny, a few of my producers said, ‘You just need to take the cotton out, take the cotton out from under your lower lip.’ And I was like, ‘There is no cotton. That is just swelling. That’s why I’m not at work today.’”
What Type of Oral Surgery Did Kelly Ripa Have?
GettyAccording to People Magazine, Kelly Ripa had gum graph surgery.
This procedure is typically used in cases where a patient has receding or thinning gums. It transfers healthy gum tissue to cover exposed tooth roots.
Shortly after Ripa’s surgical procedure, Consuelos discussed the start of her recovery with Live guest co-host Kevin Jonas.
Consuelos said Ripa’s pain tolerance was typically high, but recovering from this procedure was a completely different story. ABC 10 shared his commentary.
“It’s painful. But she famously doesn’t feel pain,” he explained.
“She doesn’t, like, when she goes into the dentist, she doesn’t really use the Novocaine, but this one hurts,” he continued. “So, I know it’s bad.”
Fans flooded the comments section of People Magazine’s social media post with their well-wishes for the star. They were overjoyed she returned happy and healthy after her ordeal.
“Love this beautiful girl she is one in a million in my opinion and she has a good looking fella. Glad she’s feeling better,” wrote one follower.
A second fan penned, “It’s a bad habit if it has causes damage. Happy its over for her.”
“Glad you’re back Kelly! Good to hear that your surgery went well and that you’re all healed up. Sometimes we have to learn life lessons, even when we’re doing the right thing,” noted a third viewer.
“Live With Kelly and Mark” airs weekday mornings in syndication.
