Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What condition results when a mouse's incisors become overly long and do not align properly?

1. Malocclusion

2. Overgrowth syndrome

3. Dental misalignment

4. Incisor elongation

The correct answer is: Malocclusion

Malocclusion refers to a condition where the teeth do not come together correctly when the mouth is closed, leading to misalignment and improper wear. In mice, this often results from genetic factors, dietary issues, or lack of natural wear that would normally occur from chewing on appropriate materials. When the incisors are excessively long and fail to line up, they can no longer wear down properly, leading to difficulties in eating and potentially causing pain or dental abscesses. This condition is significant in laboratory animal care because it can impact the health and well-being of the animal, necessitating close monitoring and intervention as needed to ensure proper oral health. Other options such as overgrowth syndrome, dental misalignment, and incisor elongation may describe related issues but do not specifically capture the combination of improper alignment and excessive growth characteristic of malocclusion.