What are Epstein's pearls and where are they typically found?

Epstein's pearls are small, whitish papules that are commonly found on the midpalatal raphe in infants. They are remnants of embryonic epithelial tissue that become trapped during the formation of the palate. These pearls are considered normal anatomical variations and are not harmful. They typically appear in the first few weeks after birth and often resolve on their own without any intervention. Understanding their origin as trapped epithelial remnants explains why they are found specifically on the midpalatal raphe, rather than in other locations in the oral cavity. This detail is crucial in distinguishing them from other similar lesions that may arise in different anatomical areas or have different etiologies.