5 Expert-Recommended Tips to Prevent Dental Cavities and Root Canals

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

When most people think about avoiding dental cavities and root canals, their minds go straight to brushing and flossing. But there’s another crucial piece many overlook: the shape and alignment of their teeth and jaws.

After four decades as an orthodontist, I’ve seen how problems with jaw growth, bite, and tooth position quietly ramp up the risk of tooth decay—and, ultimately, the need for root canal therapy. In many cases, early orthodontic attention could have prevented these issues altogether.

A recent New York Times piece by Susan Shapiro (featuring respected dental experts) underscored several underappreciated contributors to cavities and root canal infections, including:

• Dry mouth
• Dental trauma
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Acidic diets
• Difficulty cleaning crowded teeth

If these sound familiar, you’re not alone. They’re exactly what we see in orthodontic practice every day.

Read on for five of the most important steps to prevent cavities and root canal treatment—and how orthodontic care can be a powerful preventive tool.

1. Prevent Dry Mouth by Improving Airway and Jaw Alignment

Dry mouth does more damage than most realize. Saliva is nature’s defense: it neutralizes acids, protects enamel, and rinses away food particles. Without enough saliva, your teeth are more vulnerable.

Who’s most at risk? Patients with:

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

These traits often reduce airway space, leading to chronic mouth breathing rather than healthy nasal breathing.

Why does mouth breathing matter?
It dries out the mouth, weakens enamel, and fuels bacterial growth—all ingredients for tooth decay.

How Orthodontics Helps

Orthodontic treatments can expand a narrow upper jaw, advance a retruded lower jaw, and realign the bite. By enhancing airway function, these interventions encourage nasal breathing, preserve moisture, and reduce the risk of decay and root canal–worthy infections.

2. Correct Protruding Front Teeth to Reduce Dental Injury

Did you know that dental trauma is a leading cause of root canals? The New York Times highlighted that protruding front teeth—often called “buck teeth”—are far more likely to get chipped, cracked, or broken in accidents, sports, or even ordinary tumbles.

When a front tooth fractures, bacteria can speedily reach the nerve (pulp) inside. Once that nerve is compromised, root canal therapy may be the only solution.

How Orthodontics Helps

By correcting protruding front teeth, especially in kids and teens, we can substantially reduce the risk of dental injuries and subsequent infections. Early orthodontic evaluation is especially important for those with very prominent teeth.

3. Straighten Crowded Teeth for Easier Cleaning

Let’s face it: brushing and flossing aren’t always enough—especially if your teeth are crowded or crooked. These conditions create:

• Tiny gaps that trap food and bacteria
• Overlapping areas your toothbrush can’t reach
• “Plaque traps” that breed tooth decay

Undetected, these areas can pave the way for cavities close to the nerve—raising the odds you’ll need a root canal.

How Orthodontics Helps

Orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners unlocks better access for daily cleaning. By straightening crowded teeth, we make it easier for patients to brush, floss, and eliminate plaque—greatly reducing hidden cavities and long-term risks.

4. Correct Bite Problems to Prevent Abnormal Tooth Wear

Your “bite”—that is, how your upper and lower teeth fit together—plays a pivotal role in lifelong dental health.

Common bite issues include:

• Deep bites (upper front teeth cover the lower set)
• Open bites (front teeth don’t meet)
• Crossbites (upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth)

These misalignments place abnormal stress on certain teeth, leading to:

• Excessive enamel wear
• Micro-cracks
• Exposed, sensitive dentin
• Heightened tooth sensitivity

Weak, worn teeth are prime targets for decay, infection, and (you guessed it) root canals.

How Orthodontics Helps

By correcting bite problems, orthodontists distribute chewing forces evenly, protect enamel, and reduce the risk of cracks and wear-related cavities. The result? Stronger teeth with better odds of staying healthy for life.

5. Reduce Teeth Grinding by Improving Jaw Stability

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a sneaky culprit behind cracked teeth, sensitivity, and nerve irritation—often ending in the dental chair for a root canal.

Grinding can:

• Chip or fracture teeth
• Wear down enamel fast
• Inflame the tooth’s nerve
• Cause jaw pain and fatigue

Misaligned jaws and uneven bites often fuel muscle tension and nighttime grinding.

How Orthodontics Helps

By improving jaw alignment and stabilizing the bite, orthodontics can reduce muscle strain and grinding forces. For some, orthodontic care teams up with night guards from a general dentist for a double layer of protection—helping you steer clear of root canal territory.

What the New York Times Article Reinforces

Susan Shapiro’s New York Times article brought real-life patient stories to light—people struggling with dry mouth, acidic diets, hidden plaque traps, dental injuries, and chronic grinding.

These experiences mirror what orthodontists see in practice:

Orthodontic problems quietly set the stage for decay, cracks, and infection—often long before pain or symptoms appear.

By addressing jaw alignment, tooth positioning, and bite early, we’re not just crafting a better smile—we’re removing many of the conditions that foster cavities and root canal infections right from the start.

Orthodontics: The Front Line of Preventive Dentistry

Straight teeth and a balanced bite go far beyond looks. The real benefits include:

• Easier oral hygiene
• Reduced risk of trauma
• Improved airway and less dry mouth
• Less grinding and tooth wear

Orthodontics becomes a vital part of preventive dentistry, helping patients avoid:

• Chronic cavities
• Deep tooth decay
• Cracked, fractured teeth
• Root canals and extractions

When paired with smart daily habits—a fluoride toothpaste, diligent flossing, restrained sugar intake, and regular dental visits—orthodontic care is one of the smartest investments in your long-term dental health.

About OrthoWorks Orthodontic Group

At OrthoWorks Orthodontic Group, our mission is to help patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles—now and for the future.

• Six board-certified orthodontists
• Nine Bay Area locations for convenience
• Leading-edge orthodontic solutions for children, teens, and adults

Over the course of 40 years, I’ve dedicated my career to the relationship between facial growth, airway health, jaw alignment, and lasting dental wellness. We’ve seen firsthand how early, proactive orthodontic care can deflect the very problems that so often lead to cavities, broken teeth, and root canals later in life.

Take the Next Step: Protect Your Teeth for Life

Do you or your child have:

• Crowded or protruding teeth?
• A deep bite, open bite, or crossbite?
• Mouth breathing or concerns about airway health?
• A history of dental injuries or teeth grinding?

If so, an orthodontic evaluation could be the key to not just a more beautiful smile, but a healthier one for years to come.

Ready to invest in your family’s long-term dental health? We would be honored to welcome you at any of our OrthoWorks locations across the Bay Area.

David Shen, DMD and Associates
OrthoWorks Orthodontic Group