← All supplements
Limited evidenceGut health

Lactobacillus Salivarius

A species native to the mouth and gut. Its small trial base is mostly dental — bad breath and periodontal measures — rather than digestive.

Where to buy

View on iHerb

Ships to 180+ countries · welcome discount for new customers

Referral link — this site may earn a commission on purchases.

What the science says

  • Oral malodor Limited evidence

    A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of L. salivarius WB21 tablets reported reduced oral malodor parameters. Small, single-center and short.

  • Periodontal health Limited evidence

    A double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial of Lactobacillus as an adjunct in severe periodontitis reported improvement in clinical measures and halitosis, and a small study of the SGL03 strain found changes in periodontal and microbiological parameters. Both are adjuncts to dental treatment, not replacements.

  • Gut symptoms Limited evidence

    Despite being sold as a gut probiotic, L. salivarius has no adequately sized randomized trial for IBS, constipation or bloating on its own.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseOral trials used lozenges or tablets delivering roughly 1–6 billion CFU per day, dissolved in the mouth. Capsule doses for gut use are label-based rather than trial-based.
SafetyWell tolerated. For oral use, prefer sugar-free lozenges. Standard caution for live probiotics in severe immunosuppression, endocarditis risk or with central lines.

How to take it

TimingFor oral and gum use, take it at night after brushing and let it dissolve slowly.
With food?After food and brushing, so it is not immediately washed away.
Worth knowingUse sugar-free lozenges only, since sweetened ones defeat the purpose for oral health.

Interactions

With medications

  • antibiotics

    Antibiotics kill the live organisms. separate by at least 2 hours and continue after the course

  • immunosuppressants and chemotherapy

    Live lactobacilli have caused bloodstream infections in severely immunocompromised patients and those with central lines. do not start without medical advice

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does Lactobacillus salivarius help bad breath?

The evidence is limited: a small, short placebo-controlled crossover trial of L. salivarius WB21 tablets reported reduced oral malodor.

Is Lactobacillus salivarius good for gum disease?

Small trials of L. salivarius as an adjunct to periodontal treatment reported better clinical measures, which is limited evidence. It is an add-on to dental treatment, not a replacement.

Does Lactobacillus salivarius help gut problems?

L. salivarius has no adequately sized randomized trial for IBS, constipation or bloating on its own, so its gut use has limited support; gut capsule doses are label-based.

How do I take Lactobacillus salivarius for oral health?

Oral trials used sugar-free lozenges or tablets delivering roughly 1–6 billion CFU per day of L. salivarius, dissolved slowly at night after brushing.

Scientific references

Related in Gut health