Introduction: The rapid ageing of the population in Brazil has been accompanied by an increase in chronic and debilitating diseases. Thus, elderly individuals often require the participation of a caregiver in the home. Caregivers are responsible for the oral hygiene of functionally dependent individuals, which, when performed improperly, is associated with local and general health problems that can exacerbate underlying systemic conditions and exert a negative impact on quality of life.Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the oral hygiene routine of functionally dependent elderly individuals executed by home caregivers.Method: An exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted involving 20 caregivers of functionally dependent elderly individuals in the city of João Pessoa, Brazil. The elderly individuals took part in an interdisciplinary homecare program offered through public healthcare system that did not include dental care. Semi-structured interviews were held involving the administration of a questionnaire addressing issues related to the oral hygiene of the patients, such as denture maintenance, the use of hygiene materials and the difficulties the caregivers face when performing oral care.Results: Thirty-five percent of the caregivers only had an elementary school education, 35% had a high school education, 25% had a uni-