Is peanut butter bad for my teeth?

Peanut butter is a heart-healthy food with good fats, but that classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich from your childhood might not be such a great idea for your mouth. Most kinds of peanut butter are made with a lot of sugar that feeds acid causing bacteria.

Here at Noll Family Dentistry, we recommend looking for peanut butter with no added sugar. It’s also a good idea to drink lots of water and brush afterward to make sure all of the sticky substance is removed from your teeth.

Peanuts and butter do have benefits for your mouth, in fact, research suggests that they can decrease your chances of gum disease. Just make sure to buy brands with only natural peanut oils not added fats. Peanuts are also a great source of protein which is an important building block for a healthy mouth and body. The protein in peanuts helps form and repair cells.

Of course, there are some risk factors of eating peanuts like breaking the shell. Using your teeth to break the shell is a major no-no. You’ll risk chipping or even cracking a tooth, which can be seriously painful. Instead, use your hands or opt for the already shelled variety.

Again, there is often a lot of unnecessary sugar in peanut butter so always check the ingredients and pick brands free of added sugars and syrups. And remember the sticky snack can stay on your teeth, promoting plaque-causing bacteria so be sure to brush and you can keep enjoying the delicious sticky snack!