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Epstein pearls - Symptom

Alternative Names

Gingival cysts of the newborn

Symptoms:

Whitish-yellow nodules appear on the gums or the roof of the mouth in a newborn. They sometimes look like emerging teeth.

Signs and tests:

Examination of the infant confirms that these are Epstein pearls and not teeth present at birth (natal teeth).

Reviewed last on: 7/15/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Lowe MC Jr, Woolridge DP. The normal newborn exam, or is it? Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2007;25:921-946.

Morelli JG. Disorders of the Mucous Membranes. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF. Kliegman: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 663.

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