A warning has been issued to anyone who attempts to copy the 'trend' showcased by Team USA star Alysa Liu at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Figure skater Liu, 20, won gold medal in the women's singles event on Thursday to add to her gold from the team event earlier in the Games.
She became the first American woman to win an individual Olympic figure skating gold medal in 24 years, finishing ahead of Japan's Kaori Sakamoto by just 2.43 points.
Liu entered the free skating element in third place behind Sakamoto and her compatriot Ami Nakai, but managed to overhaul both with a score of 150.20.
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Liu's US team-mate Amber Glenn recorded the third-highest free skating phase score, but narrowly missed out on a medal in fifth place.
Following her victory, cameras in Milan centred on what appeared to be silver spikes positioned above Liu's teeth as she celebrated with her team.
It is in fact a piercing known as the 'smiley' piercing which rests on the front teeth, with the spikes positioned in the tissue that connects the upper gum to the lip.
It is generally only visible when a person smiles or makes a wide facial expression, hence the name.
Speaking to NBC's TMJ4 News in January, Liu revealed that she completed the piercing procedure herself, with the help of her sister.
"I pierced it a little over two years ago now," she explained.
"I had my sister hold up my lip, and I was looking up and I had my piercing needle... and then, yeah, I just put it through."
However, attempting to copy Liu comes with its own risk of serious mouth infections and other side-effects, due to the amount of bacteria that is present in people's mouths.
According to the American Dental Association, there are a series of other potential side effects, including bleeding, scarring, unusual discharge from the piercing, damage to teeth and gums, and allergies to metal jewellery.
A guide on the topic of oral piercings published by MouthHealthy, in partnership with the ADA, reads: "Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection and swelling often occur with mouth piercings.
"For instance, your mouth and tongue could swell so much that you close off your airway or you could possibly choke if part of the jewelry breaks off in your mouth.
"In some cases, you could crack a tooth if you bite down too hard on the piercing, and repeated clicking of the jewelry against teeth can also cause damage."
The guide also details other more serious, much rarer side-effects: "Oral piercing could also lead to more serious infections, like hepatitis or endocarditis.
"Of course, the best option is to consider removing mouth jewelry before it causes a problem. Don't pierce on a whim. The piercing will be an added responsibility to your life, requiring constant attention and upkeep. Talk to your dentist for more information."
- Infection and swelling
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Embedded jewelry that requires surgical removal
- Unusual discharge from the piercing
- Damage to your teeth and gums. Even a small metal ring can wear away at the enamel over time as it rubs against your front teeth, and it may irritate the gum and inner lip tissue.
- Allergies to metal jewelry. This is especially true when surgical-grade metal isn't used. People with metal sensitivity will usually notice symptoms right away.
Topics: Olympics, United States
Ryan Smart