Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the distribution of MMP-1 genotypes in a group of Chinese subjects with generalized aggressive periodontitis and a group of periodontally healthy subjects, and to evaluate the possible association of the MMP-1 promoter polymorphism with aggressive periodontitis. Methods: Genomic DNA was obtained from whole blood samples in 40 Chinese subjects with generalized aggressive periodontitis and 52 periodontally healthy subjects as controls. MMP-1 promoter fragment was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and the polymorphisms were analyzed by restriction endonuclease cleavage. The alleles were detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and visualized with ethidium bromide. Results: The detection frequency of 2G allele was significantly higher in the subjects with generalized aggressive periodontitis (68.7%) than in the control subjects (49%) (p < 0.01). The genotype of 2G/2G was found in 52.5% of the patients, which was significantly greater than that of control subjects (23.1%) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study suggests that a single nucleotide polymorphism in the MMP-1 promoter region of )1607 bp may be associated with generalized aggressive periodontitis in Chinese population.