Following her gold medal triumph at the 2026 Winter Olympics, American figure skater Alyssa Liu has drawn attention not only for her athletic prowess but for a distinctive facial adornment: a silver 'smiley' piercing visible above her teeth during media appearances.
What Is a Smiley Piercing?
The 20-year-old Californian athlete sports what is medically termed a frenulum piercing, colloquially known as a 'smiley.' This body modification involves puncturing the thin band of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums. In a pre-Games interview, Liu revealed she performed the piercing herself, a decision that has since raised eyebrows among dental professionals.
Serious Health Risks Identified
While the piercing may project a fashionable, edgy aesthetic, oral health experts emphasize that it carries significant medical dangers. The mouth's environment, teeming with millions of bacteria, makes it particularly vulnerable to infections following such procedures.
Major dental brands like Colgate have issued warnings, noting that internal mouth piercings present a higher infection risk compared to external ones like ear piercings due to this bacterial load. Improper cleaning or contact with unclean hands can swiftly lead to complications.
Potential Complications and Diseases
Infections from oral piercings can escalate into severe conditions. These include gum disease potentially resulting in tooth loss, and inflammation causing irreversible gum recession that exposes sensitive tooth roots. In rarer instances, according to Crest and Oral B, such piercings could even facilitate transmission of serious diseases including various forms of Hepatitis (B, C, D, E, and G), tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and bacterial or fungal infections like candidiasis and cellulitis. The heart valve infection endocarditis has also been linked to these procedures.
"Smiley piercings are done on a very sensitive area, and it requires adequate care; otherwise, it can lead to infection and cause adverse effects," cautions Rodeo Dental Care.
Additional Oral Damage Concerns
Beyond infections, these piercings can cause numerous other issues. Common problems include swelling, bleeding, bruising, nerve damage, and tissue trauma around the piercing site. They may also negatively affect taste perception and saliva production.
The constant movement of metal jewelry in the mouth poses a long-term threat to dental health. Repeated contact can chip or crack teeth and erode protective enamel, increasing susceptibility to decay over time.
Professional Guidance Crucial
Dentists strongly advise against attempting DIY piercings like Liu's. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Edward Liu (no relation to the skater) recommends, "After understanding the risks, if you still decide to get an oral piercing make sure the procedure is performed by a trained professional who uses sterile instruments. Consult with your dentist before getting an oral piercing to learn proper aftercare and maintenance that will help you reduce your risk of infection or complication."
The trend, while visually striking, underscores the importance of prioritizing health over aesthetics when considering such body modifications.
