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Kelly Ripa, 55, Says Overbrushing Damaged Her Gums: Why Older Adults Should Pay Attention
Gum recession and periodontal disease become more common with age, but everyday habits can help protect your teeth
Kelly Ripa, seen here in New York on May 12, 2025, said she had to undergo gum surgery that she blamed on over-brushing.
Adela Loconte/Variety via Getty Images
Key takeaways
- Kelly Ripa said she needed surgery to treat her gum recession, which she attributed to aggressive brushing.
- Brushing too hard can contribute to receding gums, though periodontal disease is the most common cause of it.
- Periodontal disease is prevalent among people over 65, according to The American Academy of Periodontology.
Kelly Ripa says years of brushing her teeth too aggressively contributed to receding gums and eventually led her to gum graft surgery.
The TV host, 55, discussed the procedure on the Aug. 12 episode of her Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast during a conversation with comedian and actor Michelle Buteau. People reported that the episode was recorded before Ripa had the surgery.
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“I’m an overbrusher. I brush my teeth too much. It’s a good bad habit,” she said on the podcast. “So they’ve got to re-gum my gums!”
Ripa said the surgery would be painful and would require her to avoid talking for 10 days afterward. She explained that tissue from the roof of her mouth would be grafted onto her gums. She also acknowledged that she had delayed the procedure for five years before her doctor told her she could no longer put it off.
Gum graft surgery treats receding gums. The American Academy of Periodontology, a professional organization for periodontists (dentists who specialize in gums and other supporting structures of the teeth), said a periodontist places tissue from the roof of the mouth or another donor source over an exposed tooth root. The procedure can help prevent further gum recession and bone loss and may also reduce tooth sensitivity.
The surgery kept Ripa away from Live with Kelly and Mark for about two weeks. Her husband and cohost, Mark Consuelos, told viewers during the July 27 episode that she was recovering and following restrictions that included eating soft foods, avoiding straws and not examining the surgical site, People reported.
Ripa attributes her receding gums to aggressive brushing, but for older adults, there is a much broader reason to pay attention to changes along the gumline.
MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine, says receding gums and other gum problems are common in older adults. Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from a tooth, exposing the tooth’s root. That exposed area can make it easier for bacteria to accumulate, contributing to inflammation and decay.
Why gum disease is a bigger concern for older adults
The American Academy of Periodontology says periodontal disease is most prevalent among people over 65. About 64 percent of U.S. adults 65 and older have moderate or severe periodontal disease, according to the organization.
MedlinePlus says plaque and tartar can irritate the gums and trigger gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If the condition progresses to periodontitis, it can damage the structures that hold teeth in place and eventually lead to tooth loss.
Other factors can raise the chances of developing periodontal disease. MedlinePlus points to diabetes, smoking, dry mouth, a weakened immune system, skipping daily brushing and flossing and not getting regular dental care.
How to protect your gums and your smile
Good oral care after 50 is about consistency, not brushing harder.
MedlinePlus and the American Academy of Periodontology recommend brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth at least once a day. MedlinePlus advises using a soft-bristle toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste, getting regular dental care, limiting sugary foods and drinks and avoiding tobacco.
Protect your teeth
AARP spoke with Dr. Heidi Aaronson, a dentist in Wellesley, Massachusetts, about the oral health issues that become more common with age. Read her advice on brushing without damaging your gums, making flossing easier, managing dry mouth and protecting your teeth as you get older.
If arthritis or another physical condition makes caring for your teeth difficult, the American Academy of Periodontology recommends asking your dentist about tools that can make daily care easier.
Keep your dentist informed about your medications and health conditions. The academy says some medicines, including certain antidepressants, antihistamines and blood pressure drugs, can affect gum health. MedlinePlus advises talking with a health care provider if medication is causing dry mouth.
Call your dentist if you notice symptoms such as swollen or red gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, tooth pain, dry mouth or mouth sores, MedlinePlus says.
The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.
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