I committed to wearing my retainers after my Invisalign treatment. Though I occasionally forgot, I wore them diligently for almost a year to maintain straight teeth. Despite this, I noticed something amiss. My teeth began to separate and felt loose. Initially, I assumed the issue was due to inconsistent retainer use or a mistake on my part. As gaps widened, I forced the retainers to fit, even though they no longer suited my teeth.

Concerned, I scheduled an appointment with my dentist, anticipating the need for another round of Invisalign to close the gaps. Instead, the diagnosis I received changed my life completely. A thorough evaluation revealed severe bone loss caused by advanced periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a serious gum condition that damages the tissues and bones supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. It affects about 42% of adults aged 30 and older. I never imagined encountering it at my age. A specialist noted that my bone loss approximated what they might expect in someone around 65 years old, not in their twenties.

Prior to this, I was unaware of periodontal disease, its existence, or severity. My teeth loosened because the disease eroded their supporting bone, leading to instability as bone loss progressed. The disease doesn’t target just one tooth; it extends to the gums and bones supporting all teeth. When it advances throughout the mouth, multiple or all teeth may be at risk.

By the time of my diagnosis, the damage was extensive. Only my right lateral incisor fell out naturally. The remaining were beyond saving due to massive bone loss. My dental team decided to remove all my teeth and replace them with full-mouth dental implants.

The experience was devastating. At 25, losing my teeth shattered my confidence to its lowest. I became highly self-conscious about smiling, conversing, and looking at myself. It severely impacted my self-esteem and mental health in unforeseen ways. The notion of exhibiting bone loss typically seen in a person in their sixties was incredibly shocking. It felt like my world was crumbling.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the experience as it enabled me to educate others. I’ve connected with individuals facing similar challenges or unaware of periodontal disease. During the ordeal, I felt scared, embarrassed, and overwhelmed.

I’ve now healed and have permanent full-mouth dental implants. This transformation allowed me to smile confidently again, changing my life. Losing teeth at 25 was unexpected, yet sharing my experience highlighted the significance of awareness. If discussing my journey aids even one person in recognizing early gum disease signs—such as bleeding, red or swollen gums, receding gums, loose teeth, or new gaps—and seeking early treatment, then a positive outcome comes from one of my toughest experiences.

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

Reference: 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2025.09.015.

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