This study presents data from clinical, roentgenological and interview examinations of 116 women at the age of retirement from work. The study was part of a comprehensive investigation including general health, health behaviour and psychological status. The women were examined 5 months before and 5 months after retirement. Oral status as well as dental health behaviour was recorded. Forty per cent had been treated with removable dentures of different types; 14 women were edentulous in both jaws. The dentate women had on an average 19.8 teeth, of which 83% were either filled or decayed. Eighty-one per cent claimed that they visited a dentist regularly and about 80% actually did so during the observation period. A majority of these were included in a recall system. Almost 1/3 experienced oral dryness, occasionally or constantly. Oral dryness was combined with a somewhat higher frequency of decayed surfaces. About 22% considered themselves to have, from a dental point of view, improved their eating habits after retirement. The study shows no evidence of decline in oral health behaviour after retirement.