Discover everything parents need to know about Epstein pearls in babies with this comprehensive guide. Learn about the appearance, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of these common, harmless cysts that can appear in a newborn’s mouth. Understand when to seek medical advice and why Epstein’s pearls are not a cause for concern.
Appearance and Symptoms
Epstein pearls are small, harmless cysts that can appear in a newborn’s mouth, affecting up to 85% of infants. These white or yellowish bumps typically form along the gums or on the roof of the mouth. Named after Czech pediatrician Alois Epstein, who first described them in 1880, Epstein pearls are benign and pose no danger to babies.
Characteristics of Epstein Pearls
Epstein pearls comprise keratin, a hair, skin, and nails protein. Key characteristics include:
- Resembling small pimples or unerupted baby teeth.
- Commonly appearing along the middle of the hard palate or the gums.
- Measuring just a few millimeters in size.
- Appearing as single bumps or in clusters.
- Being hard to the touch but generally painless for the baby.
Causes of Epstein Pearls
Epstein pearls develop during fetal development. In the later stages of pregnancy, the baby’s jaw and palate fuse as the baby’s mouth forms. Occasionally, layers of skin get trapped during this process, leading to the formation of Epstein pearls.
In rare cases, Epstein pearls can also form on the tip of the penis, occurring in about 7.3 per 1,000 newborns with a penis. Some studies suggest a possible link between Epstein pearls and prenatal folic acid intake, though further research is needed to confirm this association. Generally, Epstein’s pearls are considered unpreventable and are not linked to parental actions during pregnancy.
Diagnosing Epstein Pearls
While Epstein’s pearls are harmless and usually don’t require treatment, a pediatrician should examine any bumps in a nnewborn’smouth to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Healthcare providers can typically diagnose Epstein’s pearls with a quick visual examination.
Other conditions that may cause similar bumps include:
- Gingival cysts: Cysts from tooth formation fragments.
- BBohn’snodules: Keratin-filled cysts on the alveolar ridge.
- Eruption cysts: Cysts where a tooth will erupt.
- Epidermoid cysts: Benign keratin-filled nodules.
- Dermoid cysts: Nodules filled with hair, teeth, or fluid.
- Infections: Conditions like herpes or oral thrush.
- Traumatic lesions, autoimmune diseases, or tumors.
In rare cases, tiny white bumps might be natal teeth, developing teeth present at birth.
When to See a Health Care Provider
Medical attention should be sought if:
- The bumps don’t disappear over time.
- The bumps worsen or start bleeding.
- The baby shows signs of pain or refuses to nurse or take a bottle.
Treatment for Epstein Pearls
Epstein pearls generally do not require treatment. They are benign and typically resolve on their own within a few months. Activities like breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, using a teether, or sucking on a pacifier can help break down the cysts. However, it is unnecessary to encourage these behaviors specifically to treat Epstein’s pearls.
It’s crucial not to squeeze or try to “op” the cysts. Doing so can cause pain and potentially introduce harmful bacteria into the baby’s bloodstream.
While unexpected bumps in a nnewborn’smouth can be concerning, Epstein’s pearls are harmless and will naturally disappear without medical intervention.
