Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a significant role in both local and systemic inflammatory processes. This review explores the role of IL-6 in periodontitis and its association with other inflammatory diseases. IL-6 is produced by various immune and non-immune cells and regulates dendritic cell and B-cell differentiation, as well as T-cell subsets. High levels of IL-6 are associated with increased osteoclastic activity and periodontal pathogenic bacteria, contributing to bone resorption and tissue destruction. Studies have shown that IL-6 levels are elevated in patients with periodontitis and correlate with disease severity. Additionally, IL-6 is linked to systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer. Genetic polymorphisms in the IL-6 gene, such as -174G/C, -572C/G, and -597G/A, can influence IL-6 expression and susceptibility to periodontitis. Non-surgical periodontal therapy, including oral hygiene instructions and scaling, has been shown to reduce IL-6 levels and improve clinical outcomes. Understanding the role of IL-6 in periodontitis and its relationship with other diseases can help in the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies.Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a significant role in both local and systemic inflammatory processes. This review explores the role of IL-6 in periodontitis and its association with other inflammatory diseases. IL-6 is produced by various immune and non-immune cells and regulates dendritic cell and B-cell differentiation, as well as T-cell subsets. High levels of IL-6 are associated with increased osteoclastic activity and periodontal pathogenic bacteria, contributing to bone resorption and tissue destruction. Studies have shown that IL-6 levels are elevated in patients with periodontitis and correlate with disease severity. Additionally, IL-6 is linked to systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer. Genetic polymorphisms in the IL-6 gene, such as -174G/C, -572C/G, and -597G/A, can influence IL-6 expression and susceptibility to periodontitis. Non-surgical periodontal therapy, including oral hygiene instructions and scaling, has been shown to reduce IL-6 levels and improve clinical outcomes. Understanding the role of IL-6 in periodontitis and its relationship with other diseases can help in the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies.