Levels of edentulousness were established for seven age groups by means of self-administered questionnaires. The percentage of edentulousness in the Icelandic adult population (18 years and over) was 20.7%. Edentulousness was first reported in the 35- to 44-year-olds and increased rapidly with age. Women had a higher level of edentulousness than men, and the percentage of edentulous people in Reykjavík was significantly lower than in towns, villages, and rural areas. The proportion of edentulous 35- to 44-year-olds and those 65 years old or older was significantly lower than in a similar study in 1985. The percentage of 18- to 79-year-old edentulous Icelanders in 1990 decreased considerably from the results of a national survey on oral health performed in 1962, mainly as a result of a major reduction of edentulousness in the younger age groups and among women.