What are Bohn nodules?

Bohn nodules are small, benign growths that can appear on the alveolar ridge of infants. They are considered normal anatomical variations, resulting from the remnants of the dental lamina, which is involved in tooth development. These nodules are typically white or yellow and may be mistaken for cysts or other lesions but are harmless and usually resolve on their own as the child grows.

The other options pertain to different dental and oral health concepts. Dental caries refer to cavities caused by tooth decay, which is unrelated to Bohn nodules. Procedures to extract teeth are surgical interventions, while oral lesions in adults concern different conditions that do not relate to the specific growths seen in infants. Therefore, the correct identification of Bohn nodules as growths on the alveolar ridge directly relates to their definition and clinical significance in pediatric dentistry.