Coffee may have an unintended benefit.

Coffee may have an unintended benefit.

Researchers recently determined that drinking coffee could lower the risk of gum disease. A research team at Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine conducted the study. Their research indicated that coffee did not have a negative impact on periodontal health.

The study appeared in the August issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

The study also showed that drinking coffee regularly had a minimal impact on the number of teeth affected by bone loss.

To compile the data, a group of more of than 1,100 of adult males ages 26 to 84 were studied. This study was the first of its kind to explore the possible periodontal impact of drinking coffee.

About 98 percent of the people who partook in the study were white. Other factors, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, body mass index, overall health, and oral health were also considered.