Alex Rodriguez
Erik Pendzich/ShutterstockBe upfront about health. Alex Rodriguez revealed that he was recently diagnosed with early-stage gum disease.
Despite a bright white smile on Wednesday, May 31, episode of CBS Matinees, the 47-year-old former MLB star, noted that “appearances can be deceiving.” According to the CDC, nearly half of American adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, and it is becoming more common in people over the age of 65.
“I recently went to see my dentist and didn’t think of any gum disease,” continued A-Rod, who was on the show to raise awareness about the condition. “And the dentist breaks the news to me, and then I hear that over 65 million Americans have this gum disease. … So it’s important that all viewers watching, all Americans, all people, come out and take care of their teeth.
The diagnosis hits home for the former New York Yankees player as the late baseball star Tony Gwynn – whom he called “one of the big, big icons in baseball” – died at the age of 54 years old from oral cancer in 2014. Like many baseball players, Gwynn was a user of chewing tobacco, which may have led to his battles with cancer.
A-Rod noted that he’s “not sure” chewing tobacco could be linked to gum disease, saying he’s never used it himself. “I made a lot of sunflower seeds,” he added. “But anyway, viewers at home, it’s always better to be safe. Go see your local dentist.
The former athlete’s appearance comes shortly after reuniting with his ex-wife Cynthia Scurtis for their eldest daughter Natasha’s high school diploma. “I’m crushed. I’m so excited, but then I’m heartbroken. I mean, it goes by so fast,” he said CBS Matinees of the academic success of her 18-year-old daughter. He and Scurtis, 50 – married from 2002 to 2008 – also share daughter Ella, 15.
He then revealed that he wrote a heartfelt letter to his firstborn in honor of his graduation. “I couldn’t finish the letter because I started to break down,” Rodriguez explained. “It was at my house. We had a group of my family. And I basically said, ‘You know, I’m supposed to be your role model, and here you are at 18 and you’re my role model.’ And [I’m] so proud of her, and she’s going to do some theater.
Last month, Natasha announced via Instagram that she would be attending the University of Michigan in the fall. “I still can’t believe this is a real opportunity I have been given, and this is an absolute dream come true!!!” she captioned photos of herself posing with balloons in the colors of the school, blue and yellow.
Rodriguez – who is dating the founder of JacFit Jaclyn Cordeiro since October 2022 – praised her in the comments section of the post, writing, “So proud of you Tashi ❤️❤️❤️.”