R. J. Lamont, G. N. Hajishengallis, H. F. Jenkinson (eds). ASM Press price £97.50; pp 536 ISBN

9781555816735

The second edition of Oral microbiology and immunology presents, as the authors state: 'a comprehensive and in-depth overview of the oral ecosystem and its role in human health and disease'. I feel the book is an excellent educational tool for dental and microbiology students and a good revision aid for postgraduates. The book is edited by three eminent professors of oral microbiology, molecular genetics and immunology and each chapter is contributed to by individuals who work within each particular field.

The book is well laid out and is divided into 22 relevant chapters. Each chapter provides a list of contents for easy identification. Within each chapter there are many detailed, easy to read coloured diagrams, tables, photographs etc, which explain and simplify various areas of the written text. At the end of the chapters a table summarising the key points is provided, which is an excellent revision aid as it reinforces and highlights the salient points. In addition, further reading is provided, which is brilliant for readers who would like to explore the topic further with relevant references.

The book is divided into three sections: Section I – 'General principles of oral microbiology' includes ten chapters focusing on immunological and microbiological concepts that are the scientific basis for understanding human responses in health and disease with a particular focus on oral health. Section II - 'Infection-driven oral diseases' includes nine chapters focusing on dental caries, periodontal disease, oral virology, fungi and fungal infections of the oral cavity, endodontic microbiology and systemic disease and the oral microbiota. Section III - 'Control of oral diseases' includes three in-depth chapters on immunological intervention against oral diseases, antibiotics and the treatment of infectious diseases and infection control in dentistry. It explores new advances in oral immunology such as the vaccination against dental caries and periodontal disease.

As oral infections and disease persist to create a major public health challenge it is vital oral health professionals have an understanding of the basic concepts of oral microbiology and immunology in order to be equipped to appropriately treat the various oral health problems. I feel this book is an up-to-date and relevant textbook to arm students and health professionals with this information.