Meal patterns and the quality of breakfast and snacks in relation to adolescents' dental health in southeast of Iran.

This study investigated the frequency and nutritional quality of breakfast and snacks among Iranian adolescents in Kerman and examined their associations with dental caries, measured by the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, and tooth erosion, assessed by the Tooth Wear Index (TWI). Results showed that irregular consumption of main meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and lower-quality snacks, characterized by higher calories, saturated fats, sucrose, and sodium, were associated with higher DMFT scores, indicating increased tooth decay risk. However, no significant relationship was found between dietary habits and tooth erosion. The findings suggest that promoting regular meal patterns, reducing snacking frequency, and improving snack nutritional quality may contribute to better dental health among adolescents in this region.