The distributions of the bi-allelic interleukin-1beta+3953 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-308 genotypes were determined in 20 patients with advanced adult periodontitis, 20 patients with plaque associated gingivitis, and 45 referent population subjects. A significant increase in IL-1beta+3953 allele 2 frequency was found in patients with advanced periodontitis compared to referent subjects (the Fisher exact test; p=0.013). Furthermore, the frequency of TNF-alpha-308 allele 1 was significantly greater in patients with advanced disease compared to those with plaque associated gingivitis (the Fisher exact test; p=0.014). No significant correlation was observed between genotype and cytokine production in these patient populations.