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Elephant Dental Information

Considerations

The Incisors (Tusks)

Average lifespan: 60 Years

Molars only shed 5 times in lifetime.

New born elephants are born with tusks.

When older and on last shedding cycle will need to be fed softer/wet food.

Permanent tusks come in at 1-2 years of age.

Tusks grow about 17 cm per year (around 6 inches.)

Dental Formula

Deciduous ("Milk teeth"): I 1/0, C 0/0, PM 0/0, M 3/3 = 14

The pulp of the tusks extend 2/3 of the tusks length.

References

Develop in the fetus and can be seen few months after birth.

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Elephant

Adult: I 1/0, C 0/0, PM 3/3, M 3/3 = 26

http://www.asianelephantresearch.com/about-elephant-anatomy-and-biology-p3.php

Trimming the Tusks

Highly recommended for an elephants tusks to be trimmed annually.

Provides safety of personnel and other elephants.

The Molars

Tusks can also curve and become a nuisance to the animal.

Procedure:

Molars are shed periodically, about 5 times through the elephants lifetime.

Cut section of tusk off with a handsaw (manual/electric) while continuously running a stream of water over tusk to cool it down.

After section of tusk is cut off, take a rasp and grind down the side to create a rounded edge or dull point. (optional)

When the molars are being shed, the older, worn down front molar will be shifted forward which will cause it to fall out while a new molar moves in the very back.

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