AnnaMaria
As a parent, it’s natural to examine every detail of your newborn’s face, searching for signs of health and development. If you’ve noticed tiny white ridges or bumps along your baby’s upper gums—just like the ones in the image above—you might be wondering if they’re something to worry about.
The good news? These marks are not only harmless—they’re completely normal.
What Are These Tiny White Ridges?
These small, pearly-white bumps often appear on a baby’s gums and sometimes the roof of the mouth. They are called Epstein pearls, and they’re a common finding in newborns.
They may look like tiny teeth ready to erupt, but they’re actually small cysts filled with keratin—a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. These cysts form when skin gets trapped during the development of the mouth tissues in utero.
Are Epstein Pearls Painful or Dangerous?
Not at all. Epstein pearls do not cause any pain or discomfort, and they’re not linked to any illness or dental problem. In fact, they usually go unnoticed by the baby and disappear on their own within a few weeks after birth.
They don’t need treatment or medical intervention—just gentle care and regular cleaning of your baby’s mouth, as you would normally do.
How Are They Different From Teething or Oral Thrush?
It’s easy to confuse Epstein pearls with early signs of teething or other conditions like oral thrush. Here’s how you can tell the difference:
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Epstein pearls are firm, white, and smooth, and appear only on the gums or roof of the mouth.
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Teething usually involves swelling, fussiness, drooling, and visible teeth pushing through the gums.
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Oral thrush is caused by a yeast infection and shows up as milky white patches that can look soft or patchy, often spreading to the tongue and inner cheeks.
If you’re unsure, consult your pediatrician or dentist to confirm what you’re seeing.
When Should You Worry?
In most cases, there’s no cause for concern. However, if your baby shows any of the following, it’s best to seek medical advice:
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Difficulty feeding or nursing
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Persistent crying or discomfort in the mouth
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Redness, swelling, or signs of infection
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White patches that don’t go away or spread to the tongue and cheeks
These could indicate other oral conditions that may need attention.
Final Thoughts
If your baby has these little white bumps along their gums, rest assured—it’s just a natural part of newborn development. Epstein pearls are completely normal, painless, and temporary.
As always, if you’re ever unsure about something new with your baby, speak with a healthcare provider for peace of mind. In the meantime, enjoy every detail of your little one—bumps and all.
