If you were even slightly aware of the 2026 Winter Olympics, you may have noticed the remarkable presence of Team USA’s Alysa Liu.
The 20-year-old figure skater truly shone during this year’s Games, clinching gold in the women’s singles event on February 19, adding to the team gold she secured on February 8.
With this achievement, Liu made history as the first American to earn an individual Olympic figure skating gold medal in nearly 25 years (24 years, to be precise), and she became the first medalist for Team USA in this event since 2006.
What makes her accomplishments even more remarkable is that Liu made a comeback to the sport in 2023 after nearly two years away, having stepped back in 2022 due to burnout following the Beijing Winter Olympics.
While her incredible talent on the ice certainly deserved the spotlight, it was a unique feature of her appearance that quickly captured the internet’s attention.
After scoring 150.20 in the free skate, bringing her total score to 226.79, Liu was undoubtedly a deserving gold medalist. As she celebrated her victory, cameras focused on an unusual ornament adorning her upper lip, which appeared to be two silver spikes positioned above her teeth.
The jewelry, often referred to as a “smiley” piercing, involves placing a ring or bar through the tissue that links the upper gum to the lip – this piercing is only noticeable when someone smiles or makes a broad facial expression.
In an interview back in January, Liu shared with NBC’s TMJ4 News that she performed the piercing herself with assistance from her sister.
“I did the piercing a little over two years ago,” she recounted.
“I had my sister lift my lip, and while I was looking up, I used my piercing needle… and then, yes, I just pushed it through.”
It’s no surprise that the piercing has attracted a lot of attention online. In fact, it’s gotten to the point where dentists are now advising fans against trying to replicate the piercing, particularly if they intend to do it at home.
The American Dental Association (ADA) cautions that oral piercings come with increased risks due to the high levels of bacteria found in the mouth.
“Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, and infections and swelling are common with mouth piercings,” states a guide released by MouthHealthy in collaboration with the ADA.
“For example, your mouth and tongue might swell to the point where your airway is blocked, or you could risk choking if a piece of the jewelry breaks off in your mouth,” it adds.
“In some instances, biting down too hard on the piercing could lead to a cracked tooth, and the repeated clicking of the jewelry against your teeth can also result in damage.”
“Naturally, the best course of action is to think about removing mouth jewelry before it leads to any issues,” it further advises.
“Avoid impulsive piercings. This type of piercing will add another responsibility to your life, demanding ongoing care and attention. Consult your dentist for further details.”
The ADA also highlights other potential side effects associated with mouth piercings, such as infections, swelling, bleeding, scarring, unusual discharge from the piercing area, damage to your teeth and gums, and jewelry that may become embedded and require surgical removal later.
