When U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu took the ice at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, all eyes were on her—both for her dazzling routines and for a flash of silver that glinted every time she smiled. The 20-year-old athlete, already a gold medalist in the team event, sported a "smiley" piercing—a frenulum piercing that runs through the thin band of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums. But the story behind her signature look is as striking as her performances: Liu pierced it herself, with the help of her sister, over two years before the Games.
“I had my sister hold up my lip and I was looking in the mirror,” Liu explained in an interview with TMJ4 News. “I had my piercing needle and then yeah, I just put it through!” The piercing, though hidden until she grins, has become a symbol of her individuality—much like her self-described "angel halos," dyed rings of color in her hair that mark each passing year.
Liu’s bold style choices have captivated fans and fueled conversation, but her self-administered piercing has also drawn sharp warnings from dental experts. The mouth, they say, is a breeding ground for bacteria—a fact that makes oral piercings far riskier than, say, an ear or nose piercing. According to Healthline.com, “The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. It’s easy for them to slip into wounded areas of a new piercing and cause an infection.”
Professionals stress that oral piercings like Liu’s can lead to a cascade of complications, some of which are not only painful but potentially permanent. The immediate risks include swelling, bleeding, and bruising around the piercing site, as well as nerve damage that could alter sensation or even muscle function in the area. There’s also the chance of tissue trauma, where constant movement of the jewelry irritates the gums and lips, or even changes in saliva production and taste.
But the dangers don’t stop there. Over time, the metal can rub against the teeth, scratching and chipping them, or wearing down the protective enamel, which in turn raises the risk of cavities and tooth decay. According to A Lifetime of Smiles in LaSalle, Illinois, “It’s easy for bacteria to slip into wounded areas of a new piercing and cause an infection.”
Perhaps most concerning are the infections that can arise if the piercing, jewelry, or hands aren’t kept meticulously clean. The mouth’s moist environment is a perfect incubator for bacteria, and infections can develop quickly. These can escalate into gum disease—ranging from mild inflammation to severe cases that threaten tooth loss—or cause the gums to recede, exposing sensitive roots and making teeth more vulnerable to decay and discomfort.
Even more alarming are the rare but serious diseases that can be transmitted through unsterile piercing practices. According to Rodeo Dental Care, “Smiley piercings are done on a very sensitive area, and it requires adequate care; otherwise, it can lead to infection and cause adverse effects.” There have been cases where individuals contracted Hepatitis B, C, D, E, and G, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and various fungal and bacterial infections such as candidiasis and cellulitis. In extreme situations, endocarditis—a life-threatening infection of the heart valves—can develop from bacteria introduced into the bloodstream through the mouth.
Given these risks, dental professionals are united in their advice: never attempt a DIY piercing. Dr. Edward Liu, a cosmetic dentist, is unequivocal: “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.” He further urges, “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.”
Liu’s willingness to take risks isn’t limited to her piercings. Her journey to Olympic gold has been anything but conventional. After her local rink closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, she retired from figure skating in 2020 at just 16 years old. “I really felt trapped and stuck, and the only way—in my brain—to try other things, was to leave the sport,” she revealed. The two-year break gave her time to travel, reflect, and rediscover her passion for skating. “I really got to know myself,” she told 60 Minutes. “At 16, I really didn’t know myself. I learned that I have to listen to my brain and body, and taking a rest or knowing when to stop is crucial.”
Her return to competition has been marked by a new sense of autonomy. “I get to pick my own program music,” Liu said. “I get to help with the creative process of the program. If I feel like I’m skating too much, I’ll back down. If I feel like I’m not skating enough, I’ll ramp it up. No one’s gonna starve me or tell me what I can and can’t eat.”
On the ice in Milan, Liu’s artistry and technical prowess have shone through. On February 8, she led Team USA to a gold medal in the team event. Then, on February 17, she set a personal best in her short program, scoring 76.59 points and entering the Women’s Free Skate finals in third place. “It felt great,” she said after the event. “I don’t know if I felt this good because it was Olympic ice, or because my best friend, my siblings, my parent and my friends were watching. I don’t know which it is—I’m just really happy, and this moment is really exciting.”
Her next skate was scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET, with fans around the world eager to see if she could add another medal to her collection. Off the ice, Liu’s style choices—from her piercing to her hair—have become part of her personal brand. “You know how trees have rings for their age?” she told her hometown NBC affiliate. “I thought that every year, I’m gonna add a new halo around my hair. It’s been two years, so I have two [and] pretty soon I’ll have a new stripe!”
While Liu’s fearless approach to both skating and self-expression has inspired many, experts hope her story also sparks a conversation about the risks of DIY body modification. The consensus is clear: oral piercings are best left to professionals, and anyone considering one should consult a dentist and follow strict aftercare protocols to protect their health.
As the world watches Alysa Liu chase Olympic glory, her journey stands as a testament to creativity, resilience, and the importance of balancing personal expression with thoughtful care.