Symptom 4: Common Occurrence in Newborns
When faced with the unknown, there’s solace in numbers. If you’ve spotted Epstein’s Pearls in your infant’s mouth, take heart in the fact that you’re not alone. These cysts are not rare, unusual anomalies. Instead, they’re a common developmental occurrence.
A vast majority of infants have these cysts. Studies indicate that between 60-85% of newborns exhibit Epstein’s Pearls. These figures underscore the prevalence of these cysts. Despite being so widespread, it’s intriguing how little they’re spoken about, leading many new parents to believe they’ve stumbled upon something rare or concerning.
This commonality can be attributed to the developmental processes every fetus undergoes in the womb. As previously mentioned, Epstein’s Pearls form due to trapped epithelial cells during the formation of the mouth. Given that this process is a standardized aspect of fetal development, it’s understandable why so many infants have these cysts.
Being privy to this information can be tremendously reassuring. When parents realize that these cysts are a routine part of newborn development, it can significantly reduce anxiety. After all, there’s comfort in knowing that your baby is just one of the many experiencing this natural phenomenon. (4)
