Xylitol in dentistry

Abstract

According to the present understanding, ingestion of xylitol has an inhibitory effect on cariogenesis in man. This effect can be explained in physicochemical, biochemical and microbiological terms. In this chapter the biological effects of xylitol in human oral cavity (and elsewhere in the body, when applicable) are classified into two groups: I. Primary effects and properties. These are here designated as the immediate and initial reactions at the molecular level, caused by the molecular properties of xylitol and by its close proximity to oral tissues and constituents (or other constituents in the body) during and after intake of xylitol. II. Secondary effects and properties. The secondary effects are natural consequences of the primary ones, i.e. of the molecular properties of xylitol. These effects include most secondary microbiological, enzymic and chemical changes in whole mouth saliva and dental plaque, gingival exudate, as well as in the intestines. The secondary effects also comprise all consequential phenomena in the liver, salivary glands and other organs which are dealing with the metabolic products of xylitol.