Editors Lamont (dentistry, U. of Louisville), Hajishengallis (microbiology, U. of Pennsylvania), and Jenkinson (oral/dental science, U. of Bristol, UK) present this text on microbiology of the human oral cavity, useful to all healthcare professionals but particularly the field of dentistry. The volume begins with basic microbiology including bacterial structure, genetics, and nutrition, as well as an overview of host immune function. Identification, ecology, physiology, and genetic spread of oral bacteria in particular are then covered. The middle section addresses mechanisms of pathogenesis in the mouth, with a primary focus on dental caries and periodontal disease as well as some treatment of viral and fungal infection and the potential for oral infection to become systemic. Finally practical considerations in disease prevention are discussed, including vaccines, antibiotics, and proper hygiene practices for healthcare workers. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)