Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes that play a crucial role in the remodeling and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans. The present study was conducted to assess MMP level in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and Oral Leukoplakia (OL). Materials & Methods: 40 clinically and histopathologically confirmed cases of OSCC and OL were enrolled. OSCC patients were included in group I. Patients diagnosed clinically with OL and showing various degrees of epithelial dysplasia histopathologically were included in group II. The group III included healthy subjects without any systemic illness. 1.5 ml of unstimulated saliva was obtained and the salivary MMP 9 level was measured using the quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results: Group I had 12 males and 8 females, group II had 13 males and 7 females and group III had 10 males and 10 females. The mean MMP-9 level in group I was 51.3 ng/ml, in group II was 32.8 ng/ml and in group III was 17.4 ng/ml. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The salivary MMP-9 level in well differentiated grade was 48.6 ng/ml, in moderately differentiated grade was 47.2 ng/ml and in poorly differentiated grade was 64.9 ng/ml. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The salivary MMP-9 level in mild dysplasia was 28.4 ng/ml, in moderate dysplasia was 31.5 ng/ml and in severe dysplasia was 39.8 ng/ml. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Salivary MMP-9 levels were higher in OL and OSCC patients than in healthy subjects. When comparing poorly differentiated OSCC to well and moderately differentiated OSCC, higher salivary MMP-9 levels were found. When comparing severe dysplasia to mild and moderate dysplasia, the mean salivary MMP-9 was greater.