Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Where are Epstein's pearls commonly found in infants?

1. At the junction of hard and soft palates

2. On the tongue

3. In the buccal vestibule

4. Along the alveolar ridge

The correct answer is: At the junction of hard and soft palates

Epstein's pearls are small, white or yellowish cysts that are commonly found in the mouths of newborn infants. The correct answer indicates that these pearls are typically located at the junction of the hard and soft palates. This area is a frequent site for the development of these inclusions due to the normal processes of embryonic development and the formation of the palatal structures. The presence of Epstein's pearls is a benign and common occurrence that often resolves on its own without any treatment. They are remnants of epithelial tissue and are not associated with any pathological conditions. In contrast, the other areas mentioned, such as the tongue, buccal vestibule, or along the alveolar ridge, may host different oral conditions or lesions, but they are not typical locations for Epstein's pearls. The specific location at the hard-soft palate junction is a defining feature of where these cysts are expected to be found in the oral cavity of newborns.