Abstract The aim of the present study was to describe, clinically and radiographically, the periodontal conditions in 16- and 18-year-old adolescents from northern Sweden. The studied samples comprised 287 16-year-olds and 283 18-year-olds. The clinical examination included recording of presence of plaque, bleeding on probing and calculus, and measurements of attachment level and pocket depth. Alveolar bone level was measured on bite-wing radiographs. A history was taken of the individual's occupation, oral hygiene habits and tobacco use, health, medication and previous orthodontic treatment. The prevalence of attachment loss (AL) was 9.4% in the 16-year-olds and 19.4% in the 18-year-olds. Proximal AL was found in 2.8% and 4.9%, respectively, and proximal bone loss in 1% in both groups. With only a few exceptions (3 individuals out of 82), the individuals with AL had their loss either at buccal/lingual surfaces or at proximal surfaces. Calculus was present in 32.7% of the 16-year-olds and in 44.9% of the 18-year-olds. Pocket >3 mm were found in 4%. No significant differences concerning the periodontal status or presence of plaque and calculus were detected between urban and rural groups or between sexes. Toothbrushing 2 or more times/day was performed by 84.3% of the 16-year-olds and by 83.7% of the 18-year-olds.