Key Takeaways
- Bohn’s nodules are tiny white or yellowish bumps that can show up on a newborn’s gums or palate.
- They are harmless and usually fade without any treatment within months.
- Call your pediatric dentist if a bump grows, bleeds, or makes feeding hard.
Sometimes, while feeding your baby or checking their mouth during a yawn, you may notice a tiny white bump on their gums. You might even spot a second one nearby.
These small white or yellowish bumps can be Bohn’s nodules, which are generally harmless and usually disappear on their own. Below, we explain what Bohn’s nodules look like, why they develop, how they differ from similar bumps, and when you should be concerned.
What are Bohn’s Nodules?
Bohn’s nodules are tiny cysts, or small, closed pockets of tissue, that develop in a newborn’s mouth. They typically measure just one to a few millimeters across and appear as round, white or yellowish bumps that resemble grains of rice beneath the surface. You may notice a single bump or several clustered together, sometimes forming a tiny row of pearls along the gums.
They most often appear on the upper or lower gum ridges, where your baby’s teeth will eventually emerge, but they can also develop on the palate or other areas of the oral mucosa, which is the soft, pink lining inside the mouth.
Bohn’s nodules are benign, meaning they are neither cancerous nor infectious. They don’t spread to other parts of the mouth or cause pain. In most cases, they disappear on their own without treatment, so you can leave them alone and allow them to resolve naturally.
What Causes Bohn’s Nodules in Babies?
Bohn’s nodules develop from small remnants of tissue associated with the minor salivary glands or other oral tissues. As your baby’s mouth develops before birth, some of these tissue remnants may become trapped beneath the surface. They can then fill with keratin, a protein found in the skin and oral tissues, and form tiny cysts. This is why Bohn’s nodules are often visible at birth or during the first few months of life.
These bumps are not caused by poor oral hygiene, an infection, or anything you did during pregnancy. Some babies are simply born with them, and they usually disappear on their own.
If you want to check your baby’s mouth, wash your hands first and use good lighting, such as your phone flashlight, and do it while your baby is calm. Avoid poking, scraping, or squeezing them, as this can irritate the delicate tissue.
Bohn’s Nodules vs. Other Common Newborn Mouth Conditions
Several conditions can cause white bumps or spots in your baby’s mouth.
- Epstein pearls. These are small, white or yellowish cysts that typically appear along the midline of the roof of the mouth, where the palate joined during development before birth. In comparison, Bohn’s nodules usually appear along the gum ridges or on the sides of the palate.
- Dental lamina cysts. These cysts develop from the dental lamina, the tissue involved in forming your baby’s teeth. They typically appear along the top of the gum ridge. Like Bohn’s nodules, they are benign and usually disappear on their own within the first few months of life. Because these cysts can look similar, distinguishing between them may require an examination by a pediatric dentist.
- Oral thrush. Unlike Bohn’s nodules, oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast and may require medical treatment. It usually appears as creamy white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or gums rather than a few small, firm bumps. These patches may leave red or sore areas if wiped away, and your baby may become fussy during feeding.
If you notice anything unusual in your baby’s mouth, it’s best to consult your pediatric dentist for an accurate diagnosis.
Read more: Epstein Pearls: Myths vs. Facts
How Long Do Bohn’s Nodules Last?
Bohn’s nodules usually disappear on their own within a few weeks to a few months. Many resolve by around three months of age, although the timing can vary. Since these cysts are generally harmless, observation is usually all that’s needed.
Contact your pediatric dentist or pediatrician if you notice any of the following:
- A bump grows, changes in appearance, or remains well beyond the first few months.
- You notice bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection, such as redness or pus, or your baby develops a fever.
- Your baby has trouble feeding or appears uncomfortable while nursing or taking a bottle.
- You’re unsure whether the bumps are Bohn’s nodules or another oral condition.
Read more: Baby Born With Teeth: How Common Is It and Should You Worry?
If something looks unusual or you feel concerned, always talk with your pediatric dentist. Our pediatric dental team at Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry specializes in children’s oral health, starting with newborns, and serves families in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, Breaux Bridge, and the Greater Acadiana area.
We offer a wide range of dental services, including preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, specialized treatments, and more. Contact our team to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.