Alysa Liu’s Smiley Piercing: Olympic Gold & Dental Health Risks

The flash of metal in Alysa Liu’s smile has develop into almost as talked about as her gold-medal performance at the Milan Cortina Games. The subtle glint? A “smiley piercing,” a dental modification that has rapidly gained popularity alongside the American figure skater’s ascent. But as the trend takes hold, dental professionals are urging caution.

Liu’s performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics cemented her status as a rising star. She contributed to the United States’ gold medal win in the team event on February 8, and then secured an individual gold in the women’s free skate on February 19. This victory marked the first time an American woman had won an Olympic individual gold medal in figure skating in 24 years, a feat last accomplished by Sarah Hughes in 2002.

The triumph in Milan Cortina followed her gold medal win at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, making her the first American to claim that title since 2006. Her social media presence exploded in response. Liu’s Instagram following jumped from 210,000 before the Games to 5.2 million by February 24, according to reports.

With increased attention comes increased scrutiny of details, from her outfits to her routines – and now, her accessories. Fans have flooded social media with questions: What is that on Alysa Liu’s teeth?

The answer is a “smiley piercing,” also known as a frenulum piercing. According to WebMD, it involves inserting jewelry through the frenulum, the minor piece of tissue connecting the lip to the gums. The piercing is named for its visibility only when the wearer smiles.

Liu herself revealed she self-administered the piercing. In an interview with TMJ4 News, shared on YouTube January 26, she explained, “Oh, my ‘smiley.’ I got it pierced like a little over two years ago… I did it myself. I had my sister hold my lip, looked in the mirror, had the piercing needle, and then—yeah, just went for it.”

The American Dental Association (ADA) has responded to the piercing’s growing popularity with a warning. “Oral piercings or tongue splitting may seem trendy, but they can be dangerous to your health,” the ADA states on its MouthHealthy website. “Here’s because your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and oral piercings often cause infections and swelling.”

The ADA further cautions that oral piercings can increase the risk of damage to teeth, gums, or fillings, hypersensitivity to metals, nerve damage, excessive saliva production, and complications during dental visits.

The ADA recommends those with oral piercings maintain meticulous oral hygiene, including using mouthwash after each meal, avoiding impact to the jewelry, regularly checking for tightness, removing the jewelry during sports, and maintaining regular dental checkups. They also advise considering removal of the jewelry to prevent potential problems.

Liu’s “smiley” piercing has become a defining element of her viral Olympic moment. With 5.2 million Instagram followers, the look is generating significant interest, and many fans are openly considering getting one themselves. However, the ADA’s message remains clear: oral piercings carry real health risks, ranging from infections to nerve damage and dental fractures.