Background This study aimed to investigate the influence of oral health on nutritional status, self-perception of oral health and health related quality of life of institutionalized elders. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 193 institutionalized elders living in the metropolitan region of João Pessoa (Brazil). The independent variables included were: 1) caries experience (DMFT index and its components); 2) use and need of dental prostheses; and 3) type of edentulism. The dependent variables included were related to nutritional status, self-perception of oral health and health-related quality of life. Data were submitted to a descriptive and comparative analysis, through correlation, association and difference tests, considering a significance level of 5% ( p <0.05). Results No statistical significant correlations or associations between the oral health status and nutritional status and quality of life were found ( p >0.05). Individuals who did not need prosthesis had higher scores for nutritional status. Self-perception of oral health and health-related quality of life did not vary significantly according to the studied variables. Conclusions The oral health status has a limited impact on the nutritional status, and does not impact the self-perception of oral health and quality of life of the institutionalized elders. Key words: Nursing homes, oral health, quality of life.