Abstract Aim To determine the variations in salivary concentrations of sRANKL , osteoprotegerin (OPG) and its ratio, regarding the periodontal status. Materials and Methods Ninety‐seven chronic periodontitis (CP) subjects and 43 healthy controls were selected. Periodontal status was assessed based on full‐mouth clinical periodontal measurements. sRANKL and OPG salivary levels were analysed by ELISA. The association between these analytes and its ratio with CP was analysed individually and adjusted for confounding using a binary logistic regression model. Results sRANKL and sRANKL /OPG ratio were increased, whereas OPG was decreased in CP compared with healthy controls subjects. Although univariate analysis revealed a positive association of sRANKL salivary levels ≥6 pg/ml, OPG salivary levels ≤131 pg/ml and sRANKL /OPG ratio ≥0.062 with CP, after logistic regression analysis only the latter parameter was strongly and independently associated with disease status. Confounding and interaction effects of ageing and smoking habit on sRANKL and OPG levels could be noted. Conclusion Although salivary concentrations of sRANKL , OPG and its ratio may act as indicators of the amount/extent of periodontal breakdown, the mutual confounding and synergistic biological interactive effects related to ageing and smoking habit of the susceptible host may also promote the tissue destruction in CP.