Hippos, with their massive size and powerful jaws, possess a total of 36 teeth. These consist of 8 incisors, 4 canines, 12 premolars, and 12 molars. Interestingly, some hippos maintain baby teeth well into adulthood, resulting in a higher-than-usual tooth tally. Their teeth are uniquely designed for both eating and combat purposes; the incisors and canines naturally sharpen themselves while grazing. On the other hand, the flat and ridged molars and premolars play a crucial role in grinding and crushing plant matter. Nevertheless, continuous wear on these teeth can hinder a hippo's ability to feed properly over time, potentially leading to starvation in severe cases.

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