Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Practice Test

What are the symptoms of a dental abscess?

1. Severe toothache, swelling, and fever

2. Persistent cough and runny nose

3. Loss of taste and dry mouth

4. Redness on the tongue and bad breath

The correct answer is: Severe toothache, swelling, and fever

A dental abscess is localized pus that occurs due to a bacterial infection and is associated with very specific symptoms that reflect the body's response to infection. Severe toothache is often the first and foremost symptom, as the infection causes irritation of the nerve endings in the tooth or surrounding tissue. Swelling occurs as the body directs fluid and white blood cells to the site of infection, leading to visible swelling of the gums, face, or jaw. Fever can also manifest as a systemic response to infection, indicating that the body is fighting off bacteria. The other options present symptoms that are not typically associated with dental abscesses. A persistent cough and runny nose are more indicative of respiratory infections. Loss of taste and dry mouth may suggest salivary gland issues or other systemic conditions rather than a localized dental problem. Lastly, redness on the tongue and bad breath can occur for various reasons, but they are not specific indicators of a dental abscess, which is primarily characterized by the symptoms outlined in the correct response.