AimTo investigate the current status of chewing ability and analyze the risk factors among Chinese community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, color‐changeable gum and a color difference meter were used to assess chewing ability in the population. The statistical analysis employed multivariate logistic regression models to identify and quantify the factors influencing chewing ability.ResultsA total of 373 community‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older in Chengdu, in the west of China, were included in this study; 64 individuals (17.2%) exhibited signs of poor chewing ability. Female (odds ratio [OR]: 0.124, 95% CI: 0.057–0.268, p < .001), education level with college degree and above (OR: 0.114, 95% CI: 0.030–0.434, p = .001), number of teeth less than 20 (OR: 5.401, 95% CI: 2.509–11.626, p < .001), and decreased oral diadochokinesis (OR: 4.445, 95% CI: 1.775–11.132, p = .001) were significant factors in chewing ability in this study, after adjustment for potential variables.ConclusionsThe prevalence of decreased chewing ability among Chinese community‐dwelling older adults was 17.2% and decreased chewing ability was associated with men, lower education level, less than 20 teeth and decreased oral diadochokinesis.