5 Top Ways to Prevent Dental Cavities and Root Canal Treatment

Many people worry about cavities or root canals, but few realize how closely these problems are tied to the structure of the teeth and jaws. As an orthodontist practicing for more than four decades, I have seen countless cases where early orthodontic care could have prevented serious dental issues later on.

A New York Times article by Susan Shapiro, who interviewed experts including Dr. Katherine Taylor, Dr. Saul Pressner, Dr. Lori Aleksic, Dr. Michael Sosnay, Dr. Nava Fathi, Dr. Rico Short, Dr. Denis Simon, and Dr. Purvi Y. Patel, highlighted many surprising factors contributing to tooth decay and root-canal infections—such as dry mouth, trauma, grinding, acidic habits, and difficulty cleaning crowded teeth. These clinical observations align closely with what we see in orthodontics every day.

Below are five of the most important ways to prevent cavities and avoid root-canal treatment, along with how orthodontic care plays a powerful preventive role.

---

1. Reduce Dry Mouth by Improving Airway and Jaw Alignment

Dry mouth dramatically increases the risk of cavities because saliva protects enamel and helps wash away bacteria. Patients with narrow upper jaws or retruded lower jaw lines often have reduced airway space, leading them to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses.

Chronic mouth breathing:

• dries the mouth
• weakens enamel
• increases bacterial growth

Orthodontic treatments such as jaw expansion or improving bite alignment can help restore better airflow and reduce dry-mouth–related decay.

2. Fix Protruding Front Teeth to Reduce Dental Injury

Shapiro’s report underscored how dental trauma—one of the most common reasons for root-canal treatment—frequently occurs when front teeth protrude. Protrusive teeth are more likely to chip, crack, or break, especially during sports or childhood activities.

Once a tooth fractures, bacteria can quickly reach the nerve.

Correcting dental protrusion early significantly reduces injury risk and protects long-term dental health.

3. Straighten Crowded Teeth for Easier Cleaning

Crowded teeth create tight spaces toothbrushes and floss simply cannot reach. These areas trap food and plaque, leading to cavities that often go unnoticed until the infection is advanced.

Straightening teeth with braces or clear aligners helps:

• improve brushing and flossing
• reduce plaque buildup
• prevent deep, hidden cavities

Proper alignment is one of the most effective ways to maintain lifelong oral hygiene.

4. Correct the Bite to Prevent Abnormal Tooth Wear

Bite problems—such as deep bites, open bites, and crossbites—create uneven pressure on the teeth. This leads to:

• excessive enamel wear
• micro-cracks
• exposed dentin
• increased sensitivity

These weaknesses make teeth more prone to decay and root-canal infection. Correcting the bite distributes chewing forces evenly, protecting the enamel from premature breakdown.

5. Reduce Teeth Grinding by Improving Jaw Stability

Bruxism (teeth grinding) can fracture teeth, irritate the nerve, and eventually lead to root-canal treatment.

Jaw misalignment often contributes to muscle tension and nighttime grinding.

By stabilizing the bite, orthodontic treatment reduces grinding forces and helps protect the teeth.

Insights from the New York Times Article

In her article, Shapiro details real examples of patients who required root-canal treatment due to issues that could have been prevented—dry mouth, acidic foods, plaque traps, trauma, and chronic grinding.

These cases reinforce what orthodontists see clinically: Orthodontic problems frequently set the stage for decay and infection long before symptoms appear.

Orthodontics Is Prevention

Straight teeth and a balanced bite contribute to better oral hygiene, reduced trauma risk, improved airway function, and less grinding. Orthodontics is not just cosmetic—it is a foundational part of preventive dentistry.

About OrthoWorks Orthodontic Group

At OrthoWorks Orthodontic Group, we are committed to helping patients achieve both beautiful and healthy smiles. With six certified orthodontic specialists and nine convenient locations across the San Francisco Bay Area, we offer advanced orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults.

For over 40 years, I have focused on the connection between facial growth, airway development, and long-term dental health. Our mission is to help every patient prevent the types of dental problems described above.

If you or your child would benefit from an orthodontic evaluation, we would be honored to care for you at any of our OrthoWorks locations.