Epstein pearls

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Epstein pearls are whitish-yellow protein-containing cysts on the gums and hard palate of a newborn baby.

See also milia.

Gingival cysts of the newborn

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.

Review Date: 08/23/2005
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.