OBJECTIVE To evaluate salivary ferritin levels in children with severe early childhood caries (ECC). METHODS One hundred twenty participants were split into a study group that consisted of 60 children with severe ECC (dmft ≥5) and a control group that was free of caries. Both groups were age and gender-matched. Saliva was collected from both groups. Salivary ferritin was assessed using chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. The data obtained were statistically analyzed. RESULTS Salivary ferritin levels were higher in children with severe ECC (159.53 ± 18.65 μg/dl) compared to children with no caries (92.16 ± 12.91 μg/dl) and a highly significant statistical difference was seen (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Salivary ferritin levels were high with children having severe ECC.