Objective: To assess the periodontal status of HIV positive individuals and to compare it with age-and gender-matched controls. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study comprised fifty-two HIV positive individuals and fifty-two controls. OHI-S and PI were recorded by a single pre-trained and pre-calibrated examiner. Results: Based on antiretroviral therapy use, mean OHI-S was higher among HIV positive females undergoing therapy. A significant gender difference was observed in the PI score among those on antiretroviral therapy, with females having a lower score (p = 0.04). Also, significant gender difference was observed in the mean PI score among HIV positive individuals, with males having a higher score. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in the overall mean OHI-S score among HIV positive individuals and controls (p = 0.03). However, no significant difference was observed when the overall PI score was calculated for both groups. (p = 0.95).