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| Definition: |
A whitish-yellow accumulation of keratin containing epithelial cells on the gums and hard palate of a newborn baby.
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| Alternative Names: |
Gingival cysts of the newborn
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
| Epstein pearls occur only in the newborn and are very common, seen in approximately 80% of newborns. On the gums, they sometimes resemble emerging teeth. The condition is harmless although it sometimes worries new mothers. |
| Symptoms: |
- whitish-yellow nodules appearing on the gums or the roof of the mouth in a newborn
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| Signs and tests: |
| Examination of the infant confirms that these are Epstein pearls and not teeth present at birth (natal teeth). |
| Treatment: |
| No treatment is necessary. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Epstein pearls disappear within 1 to 2 weeks of birth. |
| Complications: |
| There are often no complications. |
| Calling your health care provider: |
| (If you are concerned about Epstein pearls in your infant, discuss it with your health care provider during a routine well-baby examination.) |
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Review Date: 12/5/2001
Reviewed By: Jonathan Fanaroff, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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