these include : a ) molecular size and e.g . the short , open-chain structure and absence of reducing groups b ) absence or relative lack in most oral microorganisms of xylitol-binding factors in dental plaque c ) lack of bacterial genes coding for xylitol-utilizing enzymes or of inducible or de-repressible genes for this purpose d ) inhibition of enzymes involved in cariogenesis ( competitive in case of some isomerases ) e ) enzyme specificity requirements f ) higher osmotic pressure exerted by xylitol as compared to hexoses and disaccharides g ) ability of xylitol to produce a favourable electrolyte concentration in the saliva without lowering plaque ph h ) ability of xylitol to increase the secretion and activity of salivary lactoperoxidase and certain other ( muco ) proteins .
C0016327
f
C0011389
plaque