Protect Your Smile: 5 Proven Ways to Prevent Cavities and Avoid Root Canals

By Dr. David Shen, DMD
Founder, OrthoWorks Orthodontic Group
40 Years in the Practice of Orthodontics and Dental Orthopedics

Many people imagine cavities and root canal treatments as sudden, unavoidable dental emergencies. The truth? Most dental problems don’t appear overnight—they build up slowly over years. Underlying issues like tooth and jaw alignment play a pivotal role in whether these problems take root.

After four decades as an orthodontist, I’ve seen countless patients whose most serious dental concerns—cavities, broken teeth, persistent infections—could have been greatly reduced, or even prevented, with earlier orthodontic care and sound cavity-prevention habits.

A recent New York Times article by Susan Shapiro, with insights from dental experts including Dr. Katherine Taylor, Dr. Saul Pressner, and others, highlighted surprising root causes of tooth decay and root canal infections:

• Dry mouth
• Dental trauma
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Acidic foods and beverages
• Difficulty cleaning crowded teeth

These risk factors are all too familiar in orthodontic practice. The good news? With the right strategies, you can tip the scale in your favor.

Let’s explore five of the most powerful ways to prevent cavities and avoid root canals, and see how orthodontic care is at the heart of prevention.

1. Reduce Dry Mouth by Improving Airway and Jaw Alignment

Why is dry mouth such a big deal for cavity prevention?

Saliva isn’t just there to keep your mouth moist—it’s nature’s best defense for your teeth. Saliva:

• Remineralizes and shields enamel
• Neutralizes acids
• Sweeps away food particles and harmful bacteria

When your mouth is dry—especially at night—the risk of cavities and decay grows dramatically.

What does jaw alignment have to do with dry mouth?

Patients with:

• Narrow upper jaws
• Retruded (set-back) lower jaw lines

often have reduced airway space. This can lead to mouth-breathing instead of nose-breathing, particularly during sleep. Chronic mouth breathing dries the mouth, weakens enamel over time, and encourages bacterial growth.

How can orthodontics help?

Orthodontic treatments that support airway and jaw alignment—such as jaw expansion and growth guidance—help:

• Improve nasal breathing
• Reduce dry mouth
• Strengthen your mouth’s natural ability to prevent cavities

By promoting better airflow and healthier breathing patterns, we boost your body’s first line of defense: saliva.

2. Fix Protruding Front Teeth to Reduce Dental Injuries

Did you know trauma is one of the top reasons for root canals?

Protruding front teeth—those that stick out—are at much higher risk for:

• Chipping
• Cracking
• Breaking from sports, falls, or simple accidents

Once a tooth gets fractured, it’s much easier for bacteria to reach the nerve chamber, frequently making root canal therapy necessary.

Why early orthodontic care matters

Correcting protruding teeth, particularly in kids and teens, doesn’t just improve appearance. It also:

• Shields front teeth from injuries
• Minimizes nerve damage and the need for future root canals
• Protects smiles for life

If you or your child is active or has noticeably protrusive front teeth, an early orthodontic evaluation is a powerful step in long-term dental protection.

3. Straighten Crowded Teeth for Easier Cleaning

Ever wondered why some people get more cavities than others, even with similar brushing habits? Crowded teeth are often to blame.

Crowded or crooked teeth create tight spaces where:

• Toothbrushes can’t clean thoroughly
• Floss struggles to slide between
• Food and plaque build up, hidden from view

Cavities can silently form in these areas, sometimes not spotted until decay reaches the nerve—leading to urgent procedures like root canals.

How does straightening help?

Using braces or clear aligners to gently align teeth:

• Makes brushing and flossing more effective
• Reduces stubborn plaque and tartar
• Lowers the risk of deep or “invisible” cavities

Straight teeth aren’t just esthetic—they’re your secret weapon for lasting cavity prevention and a healthier smile.

4. Correct the Bite to Prevent Abnormal Tooth Wear

An uneven bite doesn’t just feel awkward—it can seriously harm your teeth.

Deep bites, open bites, and crossbites all put uneven pressure across your teeth. Over time, this can result in:

• Excessive enamel wear
• Micro-cracks
• Exposed dentin (the sensitive inner layer)
• Increased tooth sensitivity

Weak or damaged enamel is an open invitation for cavities and, if left unchecked, infections that require root canal treatment.

How does bite correction make a difference?

Orthodontic bite correction:

• Evenly distributes biting forces
• Protects enamel from premature breakdown
• Prevents micro-fractures and worn spots

It’s not just about comfort and function—bite correction lays the foundation for a resilient, cavity-resistant smile that lasts a lifetime.

5. Reduce Teeth Grinding by Improving Jaw Stability

Grinding your teeth (bruxism) is more than a noisy habit—it can destroy teeth from within.

Teeth grinding can:

• Wear down or fracture teeth
• Create tiny cracks where bacteria invade
• Aggravate the tooth’s inner nerve

Over time, this damage inflames the nerve, increasing the odds of needing root canal therapy.

Jaw alignment and its role in grinding

Misaligned jaws can lead to:

• Muscle tension
• Strain on jaw joints
• Nighttime clenching or grinding

An unstable bite makes muscles work overtime and contributes to bruxism.

How orthodontics safeguards against grinding

By improving jaw stability and achieving a balanced bite, orthodontic treatment:

• Decreases destructive grinding forces
• Lowers fracture and nerve injury risk
• Complements therapies like custom nightguards

Better alignment today means fewer dental emergencies tomorrow.

Lessons from the New York Times: Prevention is Powerful

Susan Shapiro’s article shares real-world cases where patients needed root canals because of issues like:

• Unmanaged dry mouth
• Frequent acidic snacks and drinks
• Hard-to-clean, crowded teeth
• Dental trauma
• Long-term teeth grinding

Orthodontic issues often set the stage for cavities and infections years before symptoms appear.

Addressing these root causes proactively—rather than reactively—greatly reduces the need for root canals and invasive repairs down the line.

Orthodontics: The Unsung Hero of Dental Health

Straight teeth and a balanced bite offer so much more than a confident smile. They help ensure:

• Better, more effective daily oral hygiene
• Lower risk of dental injuries
• Improved breathing and airway health
• Less grinding and tooth wear
• Reduced chances of cavities and root canals

In short, orthodontics is a cornerstone of preventive dentistry. Paired with good habits—brushing, flossing, fluoride, healthy diet, and checkups—orthodontic care helps you keep your teeth strong for decades.

About OrthoWorks Orthodontic Group

At OrthoWorks Orthodontic Group, our mission is to help you achieve a smile that is both beautiful and healthy.

• Six certified orthodontic specialists
• Nine convenient Bay Area locations
• Advanced care for children, teens, and adults

For over 40 years, I've dedicated my practice to the relationship between:

• Facial growth
• Airway development
• Lifelong dental wellness

We aim to address the kinds of issues you’ve read about here—before they turn into cavities, broken teeth, or emergency root canals.

Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile

Do you or your child have:

• Crowded or protruding teeth?
• Mouth-breathing at night?
• Grinding or clenching habits?
• A history (or risk) of cavities or root canals?

If so, an orthodontic evaluation can be a crucial step in your prevention plan.

Let us help you safeguard your smile for life. Reach out to any OrthoWorks location and take the first step toward lifelong oral health.

David Shen, DMD and Associates