This study analysed data on periodontal reasons for tooth extractions, obtained from 52 dentists practising general dentistry in Singapore. The results revealed that, out of 2172 teeth extracted from 1276 patients, 35.8% were lost due to periodontal disease and 35.4% due to caries. Extraction due to periodontal problems increased with age, were more conspicuous in the Indian ethnic group and were frequently associated with pocketing and tooth mobility.