In order to determine the relative importance of periodontal disease, caries and non-disease reasons for full mouth extractions, a combined sociodental study was carried out in an urban and a rural area in the Netherlands. In the largest proportion of patients (57%) caries was the predominant disease. In only a small group (13%) was periodontal breakdown the predominant characteristic. In 16% of the patients non-disease factors possibly played a role because in this group no generalized periodontal disease or caries was found. It was concluded that in urban and rural areas and in all age groups caries and not periodontal disease was the most important reason for full mouth extractions. Non-disease factors may play a role in the decision to carry out full mouth extractions. Patients living in areas with different dentist-population ratios have a comparable caries status and periodontal condition at the time of full mouth extractions.