A central theme is the contribution of periodontal diseases to systemic inflammation but other mechanisms, such as systemic dissemination of oral pathogens, are also covered. The associations between periodontitis and a variety of conditions, including diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic complications, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary infections, and Alzheimer's disease, are carefully documented. Importantly, a collaborative approach involving noted investigators in each field and medical colleagues ensures that all chapters are of clinical relevance from both a dental and a medical perspective. The book is also visually engaging, with numerous summary figures and graphics, bullet point tables, and highlight boxes identifying the most clinically significant points.