A study was carried out among a population aged 60 years or over in South India. The caries experience, as expressed by the DMFT index, was found to be a mean of 13.51, of which the 'missing' component was 10.98. The sample population had an average of 18.42 teeth present but not one of the 300 individuals interviewed and examined had a tooth filled. Details are given of the teeth most commonly carious and missing. Data are also provided on habits and oral hygiene measures and their effect on the oral health of the elderly in this region.