The MLB legend claims he has no idea what led to his diagnosis, but he reveals that the issue is 'prevalent in our Black and Brown communities, and especially my Latino community.'
- Jun 2, 2023
AceShowbiz - Alex Rodriguez said he's been diagnosed with early-stage gum disease. When coming forward with his diagnosis, the MLB legend also set aside time to share a message to his fans.
The 47-year-old made the revelation while joining hosts of CBS News on Wednesday, May 31. After being complimented for his smile, he replied. "Looks can be deceiving."
"I just recently went to see my dentist and not thinking anything about any gum disease," the former Yankees star disclosed. "And the dentist tells me the news, and then I come to find out over 65 million Americans have this gum disease."
The diagnosis inspired Alex to team up with OraPharma to raise awareness around dental wellness. He later encouraged fans to be proactive about dental hygiene, saying that "it's important for all the viewers watching, all Americans" to take care of their teeth.
Alex claimed he has no idea what led to his diagnosis, but he revealed that the issue is "prevalent in our Black and Brown communities, and especially my Latino community.
Alex noted that he has never used tobacco during his MLB career, but he consumed sunflower seeds. He then recalled one of his mentors, Tony Gwen, whom Alex called "one of the great, great icons of baseball," tragically passed away after "a lot of tobacco use."
Alex opened up about his gum disease around a week after he celebrated his daughter Natasha's graduation. To celebrate the special moment, he reunited with his ex-wife Cynthia Scurtis and even posed for a photo with her, her husband Angel Nicolas as well as their other kids.
When posting the picture on Instagram, the proud dad wrote, "Yesterday was bittersweet." He added, "Tashi, I can't make time stand still, so my wish for you is to go out in the world with confidence, knowing your worth and believing in yourself."
"As you move on from one chapter to the next, I'm most proud of who you are as a person. Honest, kind, compassionate, intuitive and wise beyond your years," the former professional baseball shortstop continued. "As your father, I'm supposed to be your role model. But for the last 18 years, you've been mine. Proud of you always! Love, Daddy."
