The periodontal status of 110 patients with leprosy and 34 healthy controls was studied using periodontal indices. Comparison of the different periodontal indices between controls and patients showed significantly higher values for some of these indices in the latter group. Limitation of oral hygiene due to deformation or mutilation of fingers and hands had no statistically significant correlation to the periodontal findings. Indices for plaque and calculus, factors contributing to the degree of gingival and periodontal inflammation, were higher in the group of patients even if the same degree of inflammation was present in both groups. A probable influence of the anti-leprosy-therapy may be considered. Compar ably low values for the gingival index and the sulcus fluid rate for those patients treated with c10fazimine may indicate an anti-inflammatory effect of this specific therapy at the gingivo-periodontal complex. Poor oral hygiene due to lack of motivation and/or a generally reduced status of health in leprosy patients must be considered as one of the main causes of periodontal disease.