In a cross-sectional survey we obtained figures on the current state of periodontal health of 14 to 16-year-old pupils who attend different types of schools in Lippstadt, a town with a balanced social structure. A rate of 82% of gingivitis morbidity was found, including an average CPITN of 0.49. Nevertheless, only 43.8% of the examined periodontia showed signs of gingivitis. Analysis of the individual values showed marked differences related with age, sex and type of school.