A smiley piercing, also known as a lip frenulum piercing, is an oral piercing through the frenulum of either the upper or lower lip. The piercing through the upper lip frenulum is called a smiley because it is usually only visible when smiling. The piercing is relatively invisible until you smile, hence the name "smiley piercing". The piercing is done by inserting jewelry of your choice into your lip frenulum (labial frenum), which is the thin flap of skin that connects your lip to your gum. The most commonly used jewelry for smiley piercing is a bead ring, which is a circular ring with a detachable bead at one end to hold it in place. Other jewelry options include a barbell, which is usually a horseshoe-shaped barbell with a bead on both ends to hold it in place, and a seamless ring, which is just a plain ring without any beads to keep it in place.

While anyone can get a smiley piercing, there are some limitations. People with braces, dental sealants, a small frenulum, gum disease, tooth infection, or any other oral conditions may want to avoid getting a smiley piercing. Risks associated with smiley piercing include gum recession, teeth erosion, and teeth enamel damage, which can arise from the piercing jewelry, especially if it is a captive bead ring, rubbing against the teeth and gums. Additionally, infection is a risk, especially if the jewelry is not made of hypoallergenic material.

Proper cleaning and care are crucial to the success of your smiley piercing. During the healing process, it is recommended to clean your mouth with sea salt or saline solution twice a day, rinse your mouth with water after eating, brush your teeth twice a day, use a mild toothpaste flavor, use an alcohol-free mouthwash, and take it easy on talking for the first couple of days. At the same time, it is not recommended to touch the piercing or play with the jewelry, drink alcohol, or smoke.

In summary, a smiley piercing is an oral piercing through the frenulum of either the upper or lower lip, and it is called a smiley because it is usually only visible when smiling. The piercing is done by inserting jewelry of your choice into your lip frenulum, and the most commonly used jewelry is a bead ring. Risks associated with smiley piercing include gum recession, teeth erosion, and teeth enamel damage, and proper cleaning and care are crucial to the success of your smiley piercing.