qT=1&tQ=Older elephants often die because…&tC=their teeth become worn and they starve.|they lose their tusks and can’t defend themselves.|they drink too much|their trunks become blocked.&cC=1&fB=Elephants has a cycle of tooth rotation that occurs about 5 times in their life. New teeth grow in the back of their mouths and push their existing teeth forward.<br><br>When they grow old, elephants are often forced to live in marshy areas because the food is softer and won't put such wear on their teeth. Their last set of teeth eventually do become worn and fall out. At this point the elephant is unable to eat and starves to death.