If you followed even part of the 2026 Winter Olympics, chances are you noticed Alysa Liu making headlines for more than just her athletic performance.
The 20-year-old Team USA figure skating champion delivered a standout performance at the 2026 Winter Games, capturing gold in the women’s singles competition on February 19. Earlier in the Games, she also secured team gold on February 8—cementing her place in Olympic history.
With her victory, Liu became the first American in 24 years to win an individual Olympic gold medal in women’s figure skating, and the first U.S. medalist in the event since 2006. Her comeback story added even more weight to the achievement: Liu stepped away from competitive skating in 2022 due to burnout following the Beijing Winter Olympics, only to return in 2023 and reclaim the sport’s biggest prize.
The Viral Moment That Sparked a Health Debate
While her technical score of 150.20 in the free skate and overall total of 226.79 confirmed her dominance on the ice, it was a surprising detail during the medal ceremony that quickly went viral online.
Cameras zoomed in as Liu smiled, revealing what appeared to be two small silver spikes above her upper teeth. The jewelry is known as a “smiley” piercing—an oral piercing placed through the thin tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum. It becomes visible only when a person smiles or lifts their lip.
In a January interview with TMJ4 News, Liu shared that she performed the piercing herself more than two years ago with help from her sister.
“I pierced it a little over two years ago now,” she explained. “I had my sister hold up my lip… and then I just put it through.”
The admission fueled social media buzz, with fans searching for “smiley piercing,” “oral piercing trend,” and “DIY piercing safety” in large numbers.
American Dental Association Issues Safety Warning
Following the viral attention, dental health experts began urging caution. The American Dental Association (ADA) warns that oral piercings carry higher health risks compared to other body piercings due to the high concentration of bacteria in the mouth.
According to guidance published by the ADA through its consumer resource platform, mouth piercings can lead to infection, swelling, and serious complications.
Potential risks include:
- Severe swelling that could interfere with breathing
- Choking hazards if jewelry becomes loose or breaks
- Cracked or damaged teeth from biting down on metal
- Gum recession and enamel wear from repeated contact
- Infection, bleeding, or scarring
- Embedded jewelry requiring surgical removal
Dental professionals also emphasize that repeated clicking of jewelry against teeth can weaken enamel over time, increasing the likelihood of expensive restorative dental procedures.
Experts Urge Professional Consultation
The ADA strongly advises against impulsive or DIY piercings. Unlike ear or nose piercings, oral piercings require careful hygiene management and ongoing monitoring to reduce complications.
Health professionals recommend consulting a licensed dental provider before considering any oral modification. Proper sterilization, placement technique, and aftercare significantly reduce—but do not eliminate—risks.
“Don’t pierce on a whim,” the ADA cautions, emphasizing that mouth jewelry requires long-term care and responsibility.
Olympic Spotlight Meets Public Health Awareness
Liu’s Olympic performance remains a remarkable achievement in American figure skating history. However, the viral attention surrounding her smiley piercing has sparked an important conversation about dental safety, infection prevention, and the risks of at-home body modification.
As trends spread rapidly across social media platforms, health experts continue to remind fans that what looks stylish on camera may carry hidden medical and financial consequences.
For anyone considering an oral piercing, consulting a qualified dental professional remains the safest first step.