Observing small white or yellowish dots in your newborn's mouth may be alarming to most parents. In newborns, these are typically Epstein pearls, a normal and harmless condition that typically disappears on its own. Being informed of what they are, why they exist, and how to handle them may help you feel more at ease with your newborn's early life.
Epstein pearls are tiny whitish-yellow cysts on the gums or palate in newborns. They are made of keratin, the same protein that skin, nails and hair are made of. They appear in most infants and are usually harmless. Epstein pearls in newborns usually present themselves within the first few weeks of life and most frequently go unnoticed until a parent or paediatrician happens to see them during a feeding session or a routine examination.
Although they resemble pearls, Epstein pearls do not cause any pain or discomfort to the baby. These are completely benign and do not require treatment in most situations.
Epstein pearls begin to make sense, starting from fetal development. Such cysts form as an unwanted effect of the natural oral formation process. While the infant's mouth is forming during pregnancy, it is possible that tissues used to form the palate trap cells of epithelia. Trapped cells can go on to form small cysts, taking us to what we refer to as Epstein pearls.
● There are the following other causes of Epstein pearls listed below
● Trapped keratin during formation
● Normal cyst formation of the mucosa secondary to tissue merging
● Congenital retention cysts that occur commonly in newborns
Don't forget, though, that Epstein pearls do not result from infection or poor hygiene and may not be acquired. They are merely a growth feature common among most babies.
The primary indication of Epstein pearls in infants is the appearance of tiny white or yellow bumps. These are typically:
● Difficult to the touch (but should not be touched or probed)
● Found on the gums, palate or even the tongue
● Round or oval in shape
● Easily mistaken for incoming teeth
They neither ooze, nor bleed, nor become inflamed. Neither do they cause the baby pain when feeding or sleeping. If it seems like the baby is uncomfortable or there is evidence of infection, then most likely it will be something else and should be checked by a medical professional.
While Epstein pearls are most traditionally described in the context of the mouth, parents will sometimes be informed of prepucial Epstein pearls. That is what they appear and happen on the foreskin of baby boys. These are also benign and will resolve spontaneously.
Prepucial Epstein pearls are not a misinterpretation of skin or infectious diseases. They require no treatment unless there are other symptoms like redness, swelling or discharge, whereupon the baby should be evaluated by a health care provider.
For anxious parents regarding the treatment of Epstein pearls, the good news is that intervention is often unnecessary. Epstein pearls are self-limiting, and they usually clear by the first few weeks or months of life.
But here are a few reassuring measures and promises to remember:
● Don't attempt to pop or rub the pearls: This can lead to irritation or infection.
● Maintain regular oral hygiene: Wipe the baby’s gums gently with a soft, damp cloth.
● Monitor feeding: If the baby is feeding well and doesn’t seem in pain, there’s no cause for concern.
● Consult a paediatrician if unsure: If you’re uncertain whether the white bumps are Epstein pearls or another condition like thrush, it’s best to check in with a healthcare professional.
In rare cases when the cysts persist for more than a few months or seem to be growing, a medical evaluation may be necessary, but this is not often the case.
At Cloudnine, we understand how concerned new parents are if their babies develop unusual symptoms. Our paediatricians conduct detailed, empathetic evaluations to ensure your baby's oral and overall growth is normal.
Cloudnine offers consultations exclusively to detect and track conditions like Epstein pearls in newborns, reassuring and guiding without invasive procedures. Our doctors make sure that no unnecessary treatment is administered, keeping your baby safe and comfortable.
Cloudnine promotes confidence and clarity in neonatal care by offering each new parent the right information and support at the right time.
Even though Epstein pearls are usually benign, there are a few circumstances when consultation by a physician might be required:
● When the bumps persist beyond three months
● When signs of pain or discomfort at feedings are seen
● When the spots enlarge or become discoloured
● When the baby becomes febrile or shows symptoms of oral thrush
Remember that early consultation can exclude other pathologies and be reassuring.
Seeing Epstein pearls in newborns may be a shock to new parents, but knowing they are benign helps ease those worries. Typical development involves these benign oral cysts, which are painless and transient. Although they may appear to resemble teeth or oral infection, they generally disappear spontaneously without needing Epstein pearls treatment.
If you sense something unusual in your baby's mouth and you are unsure whether it is an Epstein pearl or not, consulting a specialist is always advisable. Cloudnine has you rest assured that your child will be in experienced and compassionate hands. Book a consultation today to ensure your baby is in the best possible care from the moment they are born.
Epstein pearls are small, white or yellow cysts on a newborn's gums or the roof of the mouth. They are made of keratin and are harmless.
The causes of Epstein pearls include trapped epithelial cells during oral tissue formation in the womb. They are a natural developmental occurrence.
In most cases, no. Epstein pearls treatment is not needed as they usually disappear on their own within a few weeks to months.
Prepucial Epstein pearls refer to similar cyst-like spots on the foreskin of male babies. These are harmless and do not need treatment.
If the bumps do not go away after a few months, seem to grow, cause pain or are accompanied by other symptoms, consult a paediatrician at Cloudnine.
