This cross-sectional study focused on the relationship between periodontal disease and metabolic syndrome. Data were analyzed from 1,315 Japanese-Brazilians ranging from 30 to 92 years of age, submitted to physical, laboratory, and dental exams. Means and percentages were used in the data description and logistic regression pattern in the analysis of associations among variables. 484 (36.8%) of the 1,315 were edentulous, 215 (16.4%) enjoyed periodontal health, 513 (39%) had gingivitis, 85 (6.5%), showed initial or moderate periodontitis, and 18 (1.4%) suffered from chronic periodontitis. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 54.3%, higher among individuals with periodontitis than in the healthy (51.5% vs. 48.8%), but this association was not statistically significant. Individuals with metabolic syndrome showed a worse metabolic and anthropometric profile.