Many studies have examined the association between the VEGF +936C/T (rs833061) and +460C/T (rs3025039) gene polymorphisms and oral cancer risk in various populations, but their results have been inconsistent. To assess this relationship more precisely, we performed a meta-analysis. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for case-control studies that were published up to January 2013. Data were extracted and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Ultimately, six studies were included, comprising 1006 oral cancer cases and 1016 controls. Overall, the pooled OR for VEGF +936 T allele carriers (TC + TT) versus the wild-type homozygotes (CC) was 1.28 (95 % CI 1.04-1.58; P = 0.228 for heterogeneity), the pooled OR for TT versus CC was 1.64 (95 % CI 1.34-1.98; P = 0.315 for heterogeneity), and the pooled OR for the T allele versus the C allele was 1.42 (95 % CI 1.22-1.76; P = 0.286 for heterogeneity). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, significant risks were found among Caucasians but not Asians. However, there were no associations between VEGF +460C/T and oral cancer risk in only two of the included studies. In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrates that the VEGF +936 T allele may be associated with an increased risk of oral cancer, especially among Caucasian populations.