OBJECTIVE Previous published data have implicated TP53 codon 72 polymorphisms as risk factors for various cancers. Growing bodies of studies have been conducted on the association of TP53 codon 72 polymorphisms with susceptibility to oral carcinoma and have yielded inconclusive results. The aim of the present study was to derive a more precise estimation of this relationship. METHODS We conducted a search in the relevant databases without a language limitation, covering all papers published until May 2009. The associated literature was acquired through deliberate searching and selected based on the established inclusion criteria for publications. RESULTS Nine studies including 1990 cases and 2074 controls were selected. Data were extracted and further analyzed using systematic meta-analyses. Results showed that no significant differences of oral cancer risk were found between individuals carrying homozygote Arg/Arg genotype and those carrying Pro/Pro genotype (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.78-1.19). Likewise, no evidence indicated that individuals with Arg/Arg genotype have a significant risk of oral cancer compared with those with a combined Pro genotype (Arg/Pro+Pro/Pro) (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.85-1.12). Similarly, individuals with a combined Arg genotype (Arg/Pro+Arg/Arg) do not have a marked increased or decreased susceptibility to oral cancer relative to those with homozygote Pro/Pro genotype (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.83-1.21). Moreover, when stratifying for race, results were similar among Asians or Caucasians. In addition, TP53 codon 72 polymorphisms may not associate with oral cancer risks in smokers and HPV infection status. CONCLUSIONS No evidence suggests that TP53 codon 72 polymorphisms may be a risk factor for oral carcinoma.