Although a high risk for progression of periodontitis is associated with the bacterial biofilm found in the gingival pocket, genetic variability of the host may influence an individual’s risk for disease development and the rate of periodontitis progression. Polymorphisms in cell signaling messengers IL-1A, IL-1B, IL-6, IL-10, MMP-3 (chronic form), and MMP-9 (chronic form) were significantly associated with the risk of developing periodontitis.