No clear consensus has been reached regarding the association of IL-10 polymorphisms and periodontitis. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of case-control studies and a systemic review in an effort to systematically summarize the existing knowledge. Studies were identified by searching PubMed database until December 2011. IL-10 -1082 (-1087) A>G, -819 (-824) C>T and -592 (-597) C>A polymorphisms were included in the present meta-analysis. We calculated the specific odds ratios along with their 95 % confidence intervals to compare the distribution of alleles and genotypes between cases and controls. An additive "per-allele" model (major allele vs. minor allele) was performed, and dominant and recessive models were also considered. The random-effects model was applied for the analysis. Cumulative analysis was also performed. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Nine case-control studies involving 841 periodontitis cases (644 chronic periodontitis and 197 aggressive periodontitis cases) and 748 controls were included. We found statistically significant association of IL-10 -819 (-824) C>T and IL-10 -592 (-597) C>A polymorphisms in Caucasians. The IL-10 -819 (-824) T and -592 (-597) A alleles may confer a relative increase in the risk for chronic periodontitis in Caucasians. Future studies may be important to reinforce these findings.