5 Proven Ways to Prevent Dental Cavities and Avoid Root Canal Treatment

David Shen, DMD • Founder, OrthoWorks Orthodontic Group

Dental cavities and root canal treatments are two of the most common concerns patients express at the dentist’s office. What might surprise you, however, is how often these problems are rooted in the alignment and structure of your teeth and jaws. After over forty years as an orthodontist, I've witnessed firsthand that early orthodontic care can dramatically lower the risk of future dental issues—including cavities and root canal procedures.

A recent New York Times article by Susan Shapiro shed light on lesser-known triggers for tooth decay and root canal infections, such as dry mouth, dental trauma, teeth grinding, acidic habits, and the challenges of cleaning crowded teeth. Insights from experts like Dr. Katherine Taylor and Dr. Saul Pressner echo what we encounter daily in orthodontics: prevention often starts with a healthy, well-aligned smile.

Here are five of the most important strategies to prevent dental cavities and avoid root canal treatment—and why orthodontic care should be an essential part of your preventive arsenal.

1. Reduce Dry Mouth by Improving Airway and Jaw Alignment

You may not think much about saliva, but it’s your enamel’s best friend. Saliva neutralizes acids and helps wash away bacteria that cause cavities. Unfortunately, many people with narrow upper jaws or a retruded (set-back) lower jaw have a reduced airway, making nasal breathing difficult and leading to chronic mouth breathing.

Why is this a problem?

• Mouth breathing dries out saliva
• Dry mouth weakens enamel
• Bacteria and plaque thrive, increasing cavity risk

Over time, these issues can pave the way to tooth decay and even root canal treatment.

How Orthodontics Helps

Orthodontic treatments like:

• Upper jaw (palatal) expansion
• Advancing or stabilizing the lower jaw
• Correcting bite alignment

can open up the airway, encourage nasal breathing, and combat the effects of dry mouth. Good sleep and clear airways are important, but so is keeping cavities at bay!

2. Fix Protruding Front Teeth to Reduce Dental Injury

Did you know that trauma is one of the leading reasons for root canals—especially in young patients? Protruding (or "bucked") front teeth are much more vulnerable to injury from everyday accidents, such as sports collisions or playground spills.

Once a tooth is injured, bacteria can easily reach the soft inner pulp, increasing the risk of infection, root canal treatment, or even tooth loss.

How Orthodontics Helps

Early intervention—ideally in childhood or early adolescence—can:

• Retract and properly align front teeth
• Protect them from chips, cracks, and fractures
• Significantly reduce the lifetime risk of root canal procedures

If your child’s front teeth seem especially prominent, don’t wait until an accident happens. Early orthodontic evaluation is key.

3. Straighten Crowded Teeth for Easier Cleaning

Ever tried flossing between overlapping teeth? It’s next to impossible! Crowded teeth create tight spaces that harbor food particles and bacteria, leading to "hidden" cavities that can go undetected until they require major dental work.

Patients with crowded teeth are at higher risk for:

• Persistent plaque and tartar buildup
• Gum inflammation
• Tooth decay between teeth—often unnoticed until advanced

By the time these issues become painful, treatment often involves fillings—or worse, a root canal.

How Orthodontics Helps

Braces or clear aligners can:

• Create space and improve access for cleaning
• Reduce plaque and tartar
• Minimize the risk of deep, hidden cavities

Well-aligned teeth aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re one of the best defenses against decay.

4. Correct the Bite to Prevent Abnormal Tooth Wear

Bite irregularities such as deep bites, open bites, and crossbites force your teeth to bear uneven chewing pressure. Over time, this leads to:

• Premature enamel wear
• Micro-cracks in the teeth
• Exposed inner layers, causing sensitivity
• Increased vulnerability to cavities and infection

These weakened spots become prime targets for decay and nerve involvement.

How Orthodontics Helps

Orthodontic treatment can:

• Evenly distribute chewing forces
• Protect enamel from excessive wear
• Reduce sensitivity and prevent micro-cracks

A balanced bite doesn’t just feel better—it helps your teeth last longer.

5. Reduce Teeth Grinding by Improving Jaw Stability

Do you wake up with sore jaws or headaches? You might be grinding or clenching your teeth at night (bruxism). This unconscious habit is notorious for causing:

• Chips, cracks, and wear
• Tiny fractures—allowing bacteria inside
• Nerve irritation or damage
• Pain, sensitivity, and yes, root canals

Often, jaw misalignment fuels this grinding and makes it worse.

How Orthodontics Helps

By stabilizing the bite and aligning the teeth, orthodontics can:

• Reduce grinding pressure
• Relax strained jaw muscles
• Lower risk of fractures and nerve trauma

Sometimes, orthodontic care is paired with night guards for extra protection—offering a one-two punch against future dental problems.

What the New York Times Article Reinforces

Susan Shapiro’s New York Times piece shared compelling stories of real patients who needed root canals due to:

• Chronic dry mouth
• Acidic diets and frequent acidic drinks
• Plaque traps from crowded teeth or poor dental work
• Tooth injuries from accidents or protruding teeth
• Years of teeth grinding and clenching

These cases drive home a critical point: dental and jaw misalignments set the stage for problems long before you notice symptoms. Prevention is always better than a cure.

Orthodontics Is Preventive Dentistry

It’s easy to think of braces as purely cosmetic, but the reality goes far deeper. Straight teeth and a balanced bite bring transformative health benefits:

• Improved oral hygiene
• Lower risk of sports- or accident-related tooth loss
• Enhanced airway and less dry mouth
• A stable jaw and reduced grinding
• Protection against abnormal wear and fractures

Orthodontics is a cornerstone of preventive dentistry. By investing in proper tooth and jaw alignment early, many serious dental issues—cavities and root canals included—can often be avoided.

About OrthoWorks Orthodontic Group

At OrthoWorks Orthodontic Group, our passion is helping patients of all ages achieve bright, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. We offer:

• Six certified orthodontic specialists
• Nine convenient locations around the San Francisco Bay Area
• Comprehensive care—including braces, clear aligners, and early interceptive treatments

For over 40 years, I've focused on the crucial link between facial growth, breathing, and lasting dental health. Every day, we help families prevent exactly the kinds of dental problems outlined above—especially those that lead to cavities and root canals due to structural or alignment issues.

Take the Next Step: Schedule a Preventive Orthodontic Evaluation

If you or your child is struggling with:

• Crowded or protruding teeth
• Difficulty keeping teeth clean
• A history of cavities or dental injuries
• Mouth breathing, tooth grinding, or bite problems

now is the time to act. An orthodontic evaluation can be the simplest, most powerful step you take to safeguard your smile.

Let us help you build a future of healthy teeth—one where cavities and root canal treatments are far less likely. Book your consultation at any OrthoWorks location in the Bay Area today. Early intervention means a pain-free, confident smile for years to come!