[Leucrose metabolism in the microflora of the oral cavity].

The metabolizing activity towards leucrose in comparison to sucrose and sorbitol in human saliva and plaque-borne microorganisms was assessed using the Warburg-technique. Leucrose metabolism was slightly increased initially, but the overall rate and total amount of leucrose degraded was lower than that of sorbitol. This suggests that the cariogenic potential of leucrose, if there is any at all, is very low.