United Kingdom, July 27 -- Kelly Ripa is recovering from gum graft surgery.

The 55-year-old TV star missed the latest episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, and Mark Consuelos, her husband and co-host, has explained the reason for Kelly's absence.

Speaking to guest co-host Kevin Jonas, Mark shared: "Kelly sends her love.

"There's a list of things you are not allowed to do. [No] talking, she has to eat soft food, can't suck out of a straw. You can't examine it, which means pulling down the lip.

"Last night, she was like, 'Can you look?' And I'm like, 'I'm not pulling your lip down.'"

Gum graft surgery treats thinning gums or gum recession, and reduces the risk of severe gum disease.

Mark explained: "Her dentist said five years ago, 'Yo...