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.