Young Teacher Shares Life-Changing Battle with Periodontal Disease

After completing Invisalign treatment, I committed to wearing retainers. Although I occasionally forgot, I diligently wore them for nearly a year to maintain straight teeth. Over time, I noticed my teeth separating and feeling loose. Initially, I thought I was inconsistent with my retainer use or had made a mistake. Despite the growing gaps, I persisted in wearing retainers. They often did not fit properly, and I had to force them onto my teeth.

Concerned, I scheduled a dentist appointment, hoping for another round of Invisalign. Instead, I received life-altering news. An evaluation revealed severe bone loss due to advanced periodontal disease. This serious gum disease damages the tissue and bone supporting teeth, potentially leading to their loss. Alarmingly, 42% of adults over 30 experience this condition, but I never imagined it affecting someone my age.

A specialist informed me that my bone loss resembled that of a 65-year-old, despite being in my twenties. Before this, I was unaware of periodontal disease and its severity. The disease destroyed the bone supporting my teeth, making them unstable. Advanced periodontal disease affects gums and all teeth in the mouth, compromising many or even all teeth if untreated.

At diagnosis, my damage was extensive. Only my right lateral incisor fell out naturally. Due to severe bone loss throughout my mouth, my dental team decided that my remaining teeth were unsalvageable. I needed full-mouth dental implants, which was devastating at 25. My confidence plummeted, impacting my self-esteem and mental health. Learning my bone loss was similar to someone in their sixties was shocking, as my world felt like it was falling apart.

Reflecting on that period, I’m thankful because it allowed me to educate others. I’ve connected with people facing similar struggles or unaware of periodontal disease. During the worst moments, I felt scared, embarrassed, and overwhelmed.

Today, I have completed the healing process and now have permanent full-mouth dental implants. Smiling confidently again has transformed my life. Although losing teeth at 25 was unimaginable, sharing my story has underscored the importance of awareness. If my experience helps even one person recognize early signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, redness, swelling, receding gums, loose teeth, or gaps, and seek treatment, something positive has emerged from a challenging experience.

Jonathan Peralta Jr., 25, is a special education teacher from New Jersey, sharing his journey on TikTok (@.just.jp), documenting the highs and lows of life with and without teeth.

Wang, Y., Zhao, X., Yu, Y., Wang, Y., Zhao, X., & Yu, Y. (2025). The burden of severe periodontitis in the United States. The Journal of the American Dental Association. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2025.09.015.

For more information, contact Newsweek editors Charlotte Nisbet and Emma Lee-Sang.