Epstein's pearls and Bohn's nodules

Epstein's pearls are tiny cystic lesions of the palate found in approximately 2/3rds of newborns. They are visible over the region of fusion of the posterior palatal segments and are a result of the inclusion of epithelial cells during palatal fusion.  Bohn's nodules are also benign and much less frequent than Epstein's pearls. They occur along the junction of the hard and soft palate or adjacent to the midpalatal raphe and are derived from epithelial remnants of developing palatal salivary glands. Distinction between Epstein's pearls and Bohn's nodule is difficult and clinically irrelevant because both of these lesions regress and require no treatment.

Do not confuse these with the following conditions:

Congenital epulis is a very rare tumor seen in the newborn period (especially in females). It is usually firm and pedunculated and visible on the anterior alveolar ridge of the maxilla. It is benign in nature but may lead to difficulty with feeding and/or respiration requiring excision.

Mucoceles are clear fluid-filled, well-circumscribed, small lesions usually visible on the labial mucosa of the lower lip. These occur as a result of trauma to a submucosal salivary duct, usually from blunt trauma or lip biting. They usually also require no treatment. Large lesions may be de-roofed.