Epstein pearls

Epstein pearls are those white, pearly-appearing bumps (technically, cysts) found on the roof of the mouth or on the gums of about 80% of newborns. They are also technically known as gingival cysts of the newborn, but nobody uses that terminology.

They are distinctive, pearly white cysts that contain trapped mucous membrane type skin cells that slough off inside a closed pocket. The pearls found on the midline of the palate are undoubtedly formed when the halves of the palate fuse during early fetal development, trapping folded pockets of skin.

They cause no symptoms; they are often confused with candida infection in the mouth (thrush). They are generally shed within a few weeks. probably as a result of friction with the nipple while nursing.

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