Many parents panic the first time they notice these small, pearl-like bumps on their newborn’s gums. They often look like tiny teeth trying to break through early — but before you rush to the doctor, here’s the truth.

These small white or yellowish bumps are called Epstein pearls, and they’re completely harmless. They’re tiny cysts that form when keratin (a protein found in the skin) gets trapped under the surface of a baby’s gums or the roof of their mouth.

They’re extremely common — nearly 80% of newborns have them — and they usually disappear on their own within a few weeks or months as the baby grows. There’s no need for treatment, and parents are advised not to try to remove them, as they can cause unnecessary irritation.

So, if your little one has these marks, don’t worry — it’s just another sign that their tiny body is developing normally. Nature really does have its own way of surprising us.