Kelly Ripa Reveals 10-Day Silence After Gum Surgery Caused by Over-Brushing

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Aug 12

Kelly Ripa said a gum graft left her unable to talk for 10 days, explaining the extended absence from Live With Kelly and Mark.
The 55-year-old said years of over-brushing caused gum recession, forcing a procedure in which tissue from the roof of her mouth was placed over her gums.
Ripa said she had delayed the surgery for five years until her doctor told her she no longer had "the luxury of time."
Mark Consuelos had told viewers in July that the surgery was painful enough to sideline Ripa for several episodes, with Michelle Buteau, Kevin Jonas and others filling in.
Her return date has not been announced, while Live airs pre-taped end-of-summer episodes recorded before the surgery and prepares for a new season later this year.