Epstein pearls
Gingival cysts of the newbornEpstein pearls are whitish-yellow cysts. These form on the gums and roof of the mouth in a newborn baby.
Milia are a similar type of skin problem in babies.
Milia
Milia are tiny white bumps or small cysts on the skin. They are almost always seen in newborn babies.
Causes
Epstein pearls occur only in newborns and are very common. They are seen in about 4 out of 5 newborns.
Symptoms
The symptoms are whitish-yellow nodules that appear on the gums or the roof of the mouth. They sometimes look like emerging teeth.
Nodules
Skin nodules are solid or cystic raised bumps in the skin that are wider than 0. 39 inches (in) or 1 centimeter (cm), but less than 0. 79 in (2 cm). ...
Exams and Tests
An exam confirms that these are cysts and not natal teeth.
Natal teeth
Natal teeth are teeth that are already present at birth. They are different from neonatal teeth, which grow in during the first 30 days after birth....
Treatment
No treatment is necessary. The condition is harmless.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Epstein pearls disappear within 1 to 2 weeks of birth.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
If you are concerned about Epstein pearls in your infant, talk to your health care provider during a routine well-baby checkup.
Well-baby checkup
Childhood is a time of rapid growth and change. Children have more well-child visits when they are younger. This is because development is faster d...
References
Khorsand K, Sidbury R. Common newborn dermatoses. In: Gleason CA, Sawyer T, eds. Avery's Diseases of the Newborn. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 94.
Lalor L. Disorders of the mucous membranes. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 705.
Turner EG, Dean JA. Eruption of the teeth: local, systemic, and congenital factors that influence the process. In: Dean JA, ed. McDonald and Avery's Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent. 11th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 20.
Review Date: 2/8/2024
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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