With recognition that the mouth harbors perhaps the most complex bacterial microbiota in the human body, the current paradigm of systems biology is impacting the practice of periodontal medicine. In this valuable contribution to the field, Henderson (cell biology, Dental Institute, University College London) and other UK academics in cell and molecular science, periodontology, and math, have compiled 26 chapters by international contributors that introduce dental practitioners and scientists to systems theory and metagenomics, the latest understanding of the relationship of the microbiota to the host, immune responses to such interactions, the microbiology of plaque and bone destruction in periodontitis, and advances in bone loss-inhibiting therapies. The volume includes color clinical images. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)