Which dental issue is characterized by incorrectly aligned teeth in rabbits?

Malocclusion refers to the misalignment of teeth, which is a common dental issue in rabbits. In rabbits, their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives, and for them to remain healthy, the upper and lower teeth must align correctly during chewing. When they do not line up properly, it can lead to difficulty eating, pain, and other complications. This misalignment can cause some teeth to wear down more quickly than others, leading to further dental issues like overgrowth or abscesses.

Conditions like decay, overgrowth, or tartar buildup can occur as a result of malocclusion but are not direct synonyms. Decay typically refers to the deterioration of tooth structure due to bacteria and is less common in rabbits compared to other small animals due to their diet. Overgrowth describes the excessive growth of teeth that can occur when they are not wearing down correctly, which is a consequence of malocclusion in some cases. Tartar buildup, which is the accumulation of plaque on the teeth, is also not the primary issue linked directly to the alignment of teeth.