Nuts, those humble workhorses of the nutritional world, are good for a lot of things: They’re packed with healthy fats, vitamins and proteins. One thing they’re not so good for? Fresh breath and pearly whites, according to researchers at the Proceedings of the National Academy of Scientists.

Studying Archaeological deposits at Grotte des Pigeons in Morocco from the Middle and Late Stone Ages, researchers examined numerous human burial sites. Macrobotanical remains from occupational deposits in the area provided evidence of systematic harvesting and processing of edible wild plants, including acorns and pine nuts. When they examined the teeth of the deceased early humans, they found evidence of tooth decay rates similar to those of today, a time when many people eat diets high in refined sugars and processed grains.

While earlier studies pointed to the advent of farming culture (and the decline of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle) as being the culprit for tooth decay, there’s one problem: The agricultural revolution happened around 10,000 years ago, but the new findings show that early humans were processing nuts (and having terrible morning breath) as far back as 15,000 years ago.

It’s unclear as to whether a complete and total lack of understanding of proper dental hygiene played a role in the decay.

For modern nut lovers who know their way around a tooth brush, there’s good news: In another study from the Journal of the American Medical Association, scientists were able to refute previous assertions that eating nuts during pregnancy increased the child’s risk for nut-related allergies. In fact, consuming nuts during pregnancy may actually decrease junior’s chances of having an embarrassing (and potentially dangerous) episode in the school cafeteria. Pregnant moms, snack away! Just be sure to floss afterwards.