BLIS M18® (Streptococcus salivarius M18) Evidence & Research

What it is

BLIS M18® is a naturally occurring oral probiotic strain of Streptococcus salivarius, a beneficial bacteria found in healthy mouths. It works in three ways at once. It produces natural inhibitory compounds called bacteriocins. It produces dextranase, an enzyme that breaks down the sticky matrix holding plaque together. And it produces urease, which helps neutralize acid by raising pH in the mouth.

Designed to

Support oral microbiome balance, plaque control, and gum health markers.

What Research Suggests

1.     Adults with advanced gum concerns, 12 weeks. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in adults receiving professional cleaning, adding BLIS M18 for 12 weeks produced significantly greater improvement in probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing and plaque index than placebo. The bleeding on probing benefit was still measurable at 24 weeks. Two of the study's eight authors are employed by BLIS Technologies. Chen et al., 2025, 3 Biotech

2.     Gum health in adults, three months. A three-month randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 60 adults found BLIS M18 significantly decreased gingival bleeding across months 1 to 3 and plaque accumulation across months 2 to 3. The effects were still present one month after supplementation stopped. Babina et al., 2024, Dentistry Journal

3.     Plaque in children, three months. A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial in 100 children found significantly lower plaque scores after three months of BLIS M18, with the largest effect in children who began with the highest plaque levels. Children who were most effectively colonized by M18 also showed reduced S. mutans counts. Burton et al., 2013, Journal of Medical Microbiology

4.     How it works. Genomic and microbiological research confirms that BLIS M18 carries four bacteriocin loci, salivaricin A2, salivaricin 9, salivaricin MPS and salivaricin M, all active against Streptococcus mutans, alongside notably strong urease and dextranase enzyme activity. Frontiers in Microbiology, 2023

What This Means

Across randomized trials, BLIS M18 has been associated with lower plaque levels and less gingival bleeding, and its bacteriocins are active against Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria most associated with acid production in the mouth. How much S. mutans drops appears to depend on how well the strain colonizes a given person, so results vary individually. BLIS M18 does not replace brushing, flossing or professional dental care. It is intended to support a more balanced oral environment when used consistently.*

Evena's Use of BLIS M18®

Evena includes BLIS M18 to support oral microbial balance overnight, when saliva production naturally decreases and the mouth becomes more vulnerable to bacterial shifts.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Some cited research has manufacturer affiliations, noted above where applicable.