Lactobacillus Salivarius For Oral Health: How To Use It For Teeth

Cavities are a common dental issue, affecting about 90% of adults in the U.S. aged 20 and older, according to recent data from Forbes. But cavities aren’t the only concern. Issues like bad breath and gum inflammation can also quietly impact quality of life and reduce confidence in daily interactions.

Oral health goes beyond just having a nice smile; it plays a vital role in essential functions like chewing, digestion, and speaking comfortably. Healthy teeth and gums are the foundation of overall well-being.

With this in mind, more people are turning to natural solutions for safe and sustainable oral care. Among these, probiotics have gained attention from both experts and everyday users.

Lactobacillus salivarius, a beneficial bacterium, stands out for its ability to fight unfriendly bacteria, reduce plaque buildup, and improve gum health. This article explores the important role of Lactobacillus salivarius in protecting oral health and provides practical tips on how to use it for a brighter, more confident smile.

What are Lactobacillus Salivarius?

Lactobacillus salivarius, also known as Ligilactobacillus salivarius, is a type of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). It’s a promising probiotic widely studied for its ability to support human health [11,20].

These bacteria naturally live in the body, particularly in key areas, acting like a helpful friend to maintain a balanced microbiome and protect overall health. Lactobacillus salivarius is found in various parts of the body.

In the mouth, it’s present in saliva, on the tongue, mucous membranes, palate, dental plaque, and tooth surfaces, where it’s one of the dominant bacteria in people with good oral health [13,17].

This bacterium lives in the intestines, especially the small intestine, and has been found in the feces of animals such as birds and mammals [3,11]. Notably, some strains of Lactobacillus salivarius are found in the vagina and breast milk, highlighting their diverse habitats [20].

A distinctive characteristic of L. salivarius is its ability to naturally produce bacteriocins—peptides that have been studied for their potential to interact with certain types of bacteria through mechanisms involving the bacterial cell membrane [11, 12, 20].

Beyond this, the bacteria helps maintain a balanced microbiome by producing lactic acid and competing for space and nutrients with unfriendly bacteria, creating a healthier microbial environment [20].

In addition to its basic biological roles, L. salivarius supports the immune system. Some strains may help activate macrophages, promote the production of antimicrobial peptides such as β-defensin 2, and support a balanced inflammatory response in gum tissue [9,12,13].

In the mouth, L. salivarius acts as a natural protector by reducing plaque, minimizing bad breath, and slowing the growth of bacteria commonly found in the gums, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum [1,4,14].

Thanks to its impressive biological traits and wide-ranging benefits, Lactobacillus salivarius is increasingly recognized as a promising probiotic for oral health and overall immunity.

You may also read: 9 Best Lactobacillus Salivarius Supplements for Oral Health

Benefits of Lactobacillus Salivarius for Teeth and Oral Health

Reduces Unfriendly Oral Bacteria

Lactobacillus salivarius is a powerful ally in maintaining oral health, thanks to its ability to eliminate undesirable bacteria in the mouth through natural mechanisms.

This bacterium acts like a guardian, producing antimicrobial substances like hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocins, and lactic acid, which create an environment where unfriendly bacteria struggle to thrive [10,13].

One way Lactobacillus salivarius protects the mouth is by directly competing with unfriendly bacteria for space and nutrients. By adhering to surfaces such as teeth and mucous membranes, it helps maintain a balanced oral microbiome by limiting the growth of undesirable bacteria [13,20].

Certain strains exhibit strong antibacterial activity against microbes commonly found in the oral environment, helping support overall oral hygiene [13].

Additionally, Lactobacillus salivarius may modulate the effects of harmful substances produced by certain oral microbes, such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. For example, it may help reduce the activity of certain bacterial byproducts, such as leukotoxin A, which are associated with microbial imbalance in the oral environment [13].

The bacterium also produces exopolysaccharides (EPS), a natural antimicrobial compound that helps reduce the formation of biofilms—protective layers that unfriendly bacteria use to resist oral hygiene efforts [20].

Real-world studies support these findings.

A clinical trial in Japan involving 66 healthy volunteers found that using Lactobacillus salivarius WB21 for four weeks led to a measurable reduction in the levels of specific bacteria—such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia—in subgingival plaque.

Notably, Tannerella forsythia levels dropped significantly after 4 and 8 weeks of use [10].

Moreover, many users have reported interest in Lactobacillus salivarius for improving oral health, especially in managing bad breath.

One user shared that after trying various probiotics, those containing L. salivarius noticeably improved their breath, suggesting its potential to reduce unfriendly oral bacteria. The user later provided an update, showing continued engagement and interest in long-term results.*

These results highlight the potential of Lactobacillus salivarius to protect the mouth from unfriendly bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, which plays a major role in the development of plaque and cavities.

By managing microbial balance in the oral environment, this probiotic may contribute to improved oral hygiene and long-term support for healthy teeth and gums.

Helps Reduce the Risk of Dental Plaque and Cavities

Dental plaque is a biofilm of bacteria that firmly adheres to the surface of teeth. It begins with the formation of a thin, bacteria-free pellicle on clean teeth, followed by bacterial attachment and the development of micro-colonies [21].

Over time, this evolves into mature plaque, both above and below the gumline, with an increasing presence of unfriendly anaerobic bacteria (Viorica CHETRUȘ, 2013).

As these bacteria accumulate and metabolize sugars, they produce acids that demineralize tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay, and may also cause gum inflammation and periodontal disease if not properly managed [21].

Think of L. salivarius as a barrier, acting by occupying the spaces that harmful bacteria would otherwise colonize.

One way it works is by making it more difficult for disease-associated bacteria to stick to tooth surfaces. By competing for space and nutrients, Lactobacillus salivarius limits the ability of unfriendly bacteria to grow [8].

In the oral environment, where bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and the fungus Candida albicans often form harmful biofilms, Lactobacillus salivarius is particularly effective.

It competes directly with Streptococcus mutans for nutrients and inhibits the clustering of bacteria and yeast, helping to reduce the formation of complex, multi-species biofilms that are associated with cavities and other oral concerns [8].

However, the effectiveness of Lactobacillus salivarius can vary by strain. Some studies suggest that certain strains, like L. salivarius LS1952R, may contribute to cavities in rats, especially when combined with Streptococcus mutans MT8148R, due to their adhesive properties and natural cavity-causing activity [9].

More recent studies, however, offer a more positive outlook. For example, the L. salivarius WB21 strain was shown to significantly reduce Streptococcus mutans levels—the main bacteria behind cavities—without altering factors like saliva pH, flow, or buffering capacity [4].

These findings highlight the potential of certain Lactobacillus salivarius strains to support oral health and maintain a healthy balance in the mouth, while emphasizing the importance of choosing the right strain for optimal results.

Supports Gum Health (Anti-Gingivitis)

Lactobacillus salivarius acts as a reliable partner in maintaining gum health and supporting microbial balance, which may help reduce the risk of gingivitis, a condition often associated with bacterial imbalance in the mouth.

Oral health issues, including gingivitis, occur when bacteria in dental plaque trigger unwanted inflammatory responses. Lactobacillus salivarius helps address this by regulating the oral microbiome, calming inflammation, and supporting gum tissue health [13].

Notably, Lactobacillus salivarius is more prevalent in individuals with healthy gums compared to those experiencing oral health imbalances. Its presence in the mouth seems to help maintain a balanced microbial environment, lowering the risk of inflammation [13].

The bacteria also reduces inflammatory triggers like cytokines, elastase, and prostaglandin E2 (PG E2), which fuel inflammation in the gum area. By controlling these factors, Lactobacillus salivarius may help promote gum comfort and resilience [13].

Real-world studies support these benefits. A trial in Warsaw, Poland, involving 51 patients with early-stage gum concerns found that supplements containing the Lactobacillus salivarius SGL03 strain produced positive results.

After a period of use, gum pocket depth, a key indicator of oral health status, dropped significantly from 2.5 mm to 2.42 mm (p = 0.027) [13]. These results show the bacteria’s potential to support gum health.

May Combat Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common issue that can make people feel less confident in social interactions. Lactobacillus salivarius offers hope for improving this condition by balancing the oral microbiome.

Bad breath often results from bacteria breaking down amino acids in food debris, producing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) like hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan, which are the main causes of unpleasant odors [19].

One of the key odor-producing bacteria in the mouth is Solobacterium moorei, commonly found on the tongue coating in people with halitosis. Studies suggest that Lactobacillus salivarius may help suppress the growth of this and similar bacteria by influencing the oral microbiome.

By regulating the bacterial composition in the mouth, Lactobacillus salivarius reduces the presence of odor-causing bacteria, leading to fresher breath [19].

In a clinical trial in Japan, designed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study lasting 14 days with 23 patients suffering from bad breath, tablets containing the L. salivarius WB21 strain significantly reduced VSC levels compared to the placebo group [19].

These benefits have been observed particularly with convenient delivery forms like chewable tablets or lozenges, making them a practical daily solution for managing bad breath. These results show that this probiotic not only supports oral health but also serves as a natural approach to improving breath freshness.

Improves Oral pH Balance

Maintaining a balanced pH in the mouth is crucial for oral health, and Lactobacillus salivarius contributes to this through its unique probiotic properties. An overly acidic mouth can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and other issues.

Lactobacillus salivarius helps maintain a stable, less acidic pH by producing moderate levels of lactic acid, protecting enamel from mineral loss [9].

Unlike some bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, which thrives in highly acidic conditions, Lactobacillus salivarius is an obligate homofermentative lactic bacteria commonly found in the saliva of people with healthy mouths.

Its acid-sensitive nature makes it a probiotic with a low risk of causing cavities, helping to maintain an ideal oral environment (Ishikawa et al., 2003).

Studies provide specific insights into the role of Lactobacillus salivarius in pH balance. For example, the L. salivarius TI 2711 strain was found to neutralize saliva pH, reducing acid production from dental plaque.

This means the bacteria doesn’t promote cavity formation but instead helps protect the mouth [5]. However, not all strains perform equally.

A study on 64 healthy volunteers showed that both L. salivarius WB21 and TI 2711 strains didn’t significantly alter saliva pH compared to a control group. Still, the TI 2711 strain showed a slight tendency to increase pH, while WB21 showed no clear change [14].

On the other hand, another study raised a caution about the L. salivarius W24 strain. In conditions with sucrose and low pH, this strain could further lower pH, raising concerns that it might increase cavity risk in dental biofilms [15].

This suggests that the effectiveness of Lactobacillus salivarius in improving pH balance depends on the strain and specific conditions.

Read more: Lactobacillus Salivarius Weight Loss Benefits: What Science Says?

Supports Immune Defense in the Mouth

Considered a safe and non-pathogenic probiotic, Lactobacillus salivarius helps the body fight pathogens naturally. Some strains can also reduce excessive allergic reactions in children, creating a healthier oral environment [9].

This complements previously mentioned benefits, like supporting gum health and combating bad breath, offering a well-rounded approach to oral care.

One way Lactobacillus salivarius supports immunity is by regulating inflammatory responses in the mouth, particularly in gum tissue. Gum disease often occurs when unfriendly bacteria trigger excessive inflammation.

This bacterium helps reduce inflammation by lowering levels of inflammatory substances like cytokines, elastase, and prostaglandin E2 (PG E2), protecting gums and surrounding tissues from damage [13].

By controlling inflammation, Lactobacillus salivarius helps maintain a stable, healthy oral environment. Additionally, the immune benefits of Lactobacillus salivarius come from its ability to balance pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances in the mouth.

Depending on the strain, the effectiveness varies, but overall, it helps the body respond more flexibly to threats from bacteria or other environmental stressors [19].

Are Lactobacillus Salivarius Safe for Teeth?

Overall, Lactobacillus salivarius is considered safe for most people due to its natural presence in the mouth, digestive tract, and even breast milk [20].

Notably, strains like L. salivarius TI 2711 don’t promote strong acid production in plaque, reducing the risk of enamel erosion or cavities, a common concern with some other bacteria [5].

Compared to bacteria like L. acidophilus, L. salivarius is acid-sensitive, making it a probiotic less likely to harm enamel (Ishikawa et al., 2003). However, effectiveness varies by strain.

For example, research shows that the L. salivarius W24 strain, in environments with sucrose and low pH, may further lower pH, potentially increasing cavity risk in dental biofilms [15]. Thus, choosing the right strain is critical for safety.

Regarding allergies and interactions, current studies report no common severe allergic reactions linked to Lactobacillus salivarius [6, 18]. However, caution is advised for people with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or with autoimmune conditions.

Though rare, this bacterium could cause serious infections, like bloodstream infections, in those with compromised health [2]. These individuals should consult a doctor before using products containing Lactobacillus salivarius to avoid potential risks.

As for side effects, most studies indicate that Lactobacillus salivarius causes no significant issues when used [6, 18]. Some users report mild digestive problems, like bloating or constipation, when using products with this bacteria. These reactions are typically mild and may fade as the body adjusts.

There’s no evidence that Lactobacillus salivarius negatively interacts with standard oral care methods, like toothpaste or mouthwash.

However, to protect beneficial bacteria, avoid using probiotics at the same time as products with strong antibacterial agents, as these can reduce the bacteria’s effectiveness [13].

A study on 64 healthy volunteers found that strains like L. salivarius WB21 and TI 2711 caused no adverse changes in saliva pH, reinforcing their safety in maintaining a stable oral environment [14].

How to Use Lactobacillus Salivarius for Teeth and Oral Health

To maximize the benefits of Lactobacillus salivarius for oral health, choosing the right form and following proper dosage is essential:

1. Choose the Right Form

• Lozenges & Chewable Tablets:

Keep the probiotic in contact with the mouth longer, enhancing its ability to reduce unfriendly bacteria and improve breath.

• Mouthwash with L. salivarius:

Distributes the probiotic evenly across teeth and gums to support a balanced oral microbiome.

• Probiotic Chewing Gum:

Stimulates saliva flow and offers a refreshing alternative—ideal for those wanting convenience and effectiveness combined.

2. Follow the Recommended Dosage

• WB21 strain: ~2 billion CFU/day as used in clinical trials [14].
• NK02 strain (mouthwash): ~100 million CFU per mL, typically used in rinse formulations [16].

These doses are effective without disrupting the natural oral microbiome.

3. Use for the Right Duration

• For Bad Breath: Use WB21 consistently for 14 days to reduce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), the main cause of unpleasant odors [19].
• For Gum Health or Bacteria Control: Use for 4–8 weeks. For example, the SGL03 strain showed reduced gum pocket depth after 30 days [13].

Additionally, a user named TC Mom shared a positive experience with a supplement containing Lactobacillus salivarius: “I was interested in this oral probiotics for better dental health. In researching oral probiotics I found that probiotics decrease the pH of the oral cavity so that plaque bacteria cannot form dental plaque and calculus which causes periodontal disease. I do notice that I don’t have as much plaque and calculus forming over the last week or two of using these.”*

5. Use It Properly for Best Results

• Avoid hot food or drinks around the time you take the probiotic—heat can damage beneficial bacteria.
• Separate from antibiotics by at least 2 hours to maintain effectiveness [13].
• Continue regular oral hygiene like brushing and flossing—this supports L. salivarius in maintaining a clean, healthy environment.

Other Probiotics for Oral Health

While Lactobacillus salivarius is well-known for its oral health benefits, other probiotic strains also offer unique advantages. The table below highlights key features of three widely studied probiotics and how they compare to L. salivarius in supporting teeth and gum health.

Conclusion

Lactobacillus salivarius may offer a natural way to support oral health by helping to reduce unfriendly bacteria, limit plaque buildup, support gum health, and freshen breath.

Available in convenient forms like lozenges, mouthwashes, and chewing gum, this probiotic can easily become part of your daily oral care routine.

However, selecting the right strain and following recommended dosages are crucial for achieving the best results.

Alongside Lactobacillus salivarius, other probiotics like Lactobacillus reuteri and Streptococcus salivarius K12 provide additional options for protecting your smile.

Start exploring the potential of probiotics for oral care and discover how they can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.