What it means
Tiny, firm, pearly cysts filled with keratin, seen in the mouth of many newborns, most often along the middle of the hard palate. They are harmless and go away on their own within a few weeks. They are named after Alois Epstein, the physician who described them.
For the nurse
Reassure parents that they are normal and need no treatment. Tell them not to try to scrape or pop them. White patches that wipe off and bleed, or that sit on the tongue and cheeks, are different and should be reported.
In a chart
"Several pinpoint white Epstein pearls on hard palate; parents reassured."
At a glance
| Also written | Epstein's pearls, Epstein pearl |
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