We did not place the rats on any antibiotics, but examined them daily for the next 10 days. There was a remarkable change in their activity and eating habits within three days the rats became more active, ate, and muzzle and gum swellin gs rapidly reduced in size. There were no deaths. Overgrowth of the incisors is common in rats, and teeth can grow into the nasal cavity. The roots of the incisors may extend two or three centimeters into t he mandible.
Rats have a single pair of incisor teeth, with enamel absent on one surface.
To maintain proper length, the upper and lower incisors must be aligned properly so that they wear each other away during routine growing and use. Poor alignment of the teeth, more commonly known as a bad bite will result in malocclusion and consequent overgrowth and soft tissue penetration. Overgrown incisors are easily treated by cutting the overgrown teeth. Often, this can be performed in a conscious animal. Also, clipped teeth have jagged edges tha t may lacerate the tongue and other soft tissues.