Alex Rodriguez Reveals Recent Health Diagnosis

Alex Rodriguez is using his latest health diagnosis to help spread awareness to others.

The MLB all-star appeared on CBS Mornings this week to reveal that he has recently been diagnosed with early-stage gum disease—and now, he's encouraging others to be proactive about their own oral health.

In a Twitter clip of the broadcast on Wednesday, May 31, A-Rod appeared to be all smiles, though he was serious about his insistence that taking care of your teeth is of the utmost importance.

While CBS' Tony Dokoupil pointed out that A-Rod seems to have some sparkling pearly whites, the former Yankees legend insisted, "Looks can be deceiving."

"I just recently went to see my dentist and not thinking anything about any gum disease," Rodriguez, 47, recalled on Wednesday's show. "And the dentist tells me the news, and then I come to find out over 65 million Americans have this gum disease."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of U.S. adults aged 30 years or older show signs of gum disease, while severe gum disease affects about 9% of adults.

That's why Rodriguez implored, "It's important for all the viewers watching, all Americans, all folks, go out there and take care of your teeth."

While the baseball great wasn't exactly sure what led to his condition, he noted that gum disease is "prevalent in our Black and brown communities."

The CBS hosts wondered if gum disease was linked to tobacco use and the consumption of sunflower seeds, which many baseball players are known to engage in.

"I'm not sure if it's tied to that," he stated. "I never did tobacco, I did a lot of sunflower seeds."

Nevertheless, A-Rod wanted viewers to know, "It's always better to be safe," as he encouraged the people at home, "Go see your local dentist."