Objectives. This study was conducted to be used as basic data for developing an oral health management program appropriate for the current state of the elderly in Korea to improve their oral function and nutrient state. Methods. The subjects were 97 elderly persons from the Seo-gu division of Daegu city who were divided into 2 groups, the intervention group (50) and the control group (47). The intervention group performed an oral exercise two times per week for 3 months (from September 2008 to December 2008) and the effects were investigated by a questionnaire survey, oral examination and oral function test before and after performing the three-month oral exercise program. Results. Before performing the oral exercise, there was no significant difference between the control and the intervention groups in general characteristics, oral functional condition and nutrient intake. However, after the three-month program, the frequency of repetitive swallowing, amount of saliva and degree of mouth opening in the intervention group increased significantly (p＜0.01). When the effect of controlling the frequency, amount of saliva and degree of mouth opening was evaluated before performing the oral exercise, there was a significant difference between the two groups (p＜0.01). Also, the amount of nutrient intake in the intervention group increased significantly (p＜0.01). When the effect of controlling the amount of nutrient intake before carrying out the management program was examined, a significant difference was observed between the two groups (p＜0.01). Conclusions. From these results, we conclude that the three-month oral exercise program enhances oral function and nutrient intake in the elderly. Therefore, these results were thought to be used as important basic data for developing an oral health management program for elderly patients who need long-term care.