Elephants have four molars– two on the top and two on the bottom. Each molar weighs around 2.5kg and is the size of a large brick. They can only grow six sets (and very rarely, seven) of molars over their lifetime. Elephants can live to 60 years in the wild, 80 in captivity. The last molars generally erupt at between 35 and 40 years of age. When the last set is lost, the animal is unable to eat and eventually dies. While other animals (such as tamer cows) can be provided with dentures, the size and wild nature of elephants makes it impossible. This is the natural cycle of life, unfortunately.
