Aim: Through the review of scientific articles, this study aimed to identify which oral health-related quality of life instruments that have been used in studies to measure the oral health-related quality of life in older individuals and the application of such instruments.

Method: The study is based on a systematic literature review, where 14 articles have been chosen and evaluated against a checklist.

Result: The oral health-related quality of life instruments that have been used on individuals, 65 years and older, are OHIP-49, OHIP-14, OHIP-20 or OHIP-EDENT, GOHAI and OIDP. The instruments are used to examine factors associated with the oral health-related quality of life. Significant associations have been identified, among other things, between the number of teeth in static occlusion, dry mouth and the quality of the dentures, and oral health-related quality of life. Social and cultural associations have also been revealed.

Conclusions: Today there exist several well functioning instruments that are used for research purposes. There is, however, a need for additional research. Research in longitudinal studies is needed to see if the instruments can indicate which treatment is the most effective. Furthermore, the instruments must be simplified so that they can be used in clinical settings.