A lip frenulum piercing is a
body piercing
Body piercing, which is a form of body modification, is the practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body, creating an opening in which jewelry may be worn, or where an implant could be inserted. The word ''piercing'' can refer to ...
through the
frenulum
A frenulum (or frenum, plural: frenula or frena, from the Latin ''frēnulum'', "little bridle", the diminutive of ''frēnum'') is a small fold of tissue that secures the motion of a mobile organ in the body.
In human anatomy
Frenula on the h ...
of either the upper or lower
lip. A piercing through the upper lip frenulum is sometimes called a "smiley",
,because it is usually only seen when smiling, or a "scrumper".
Similarly, the lower lip frenulum piercing is sometimes referred to as a "frowny".
Jewelry is recommended to be worn in the piercing for a short period of time because the risks associate with it are high.
Risks
Gum recession, teeth erosion, and
teeth enamel damage are possible problems that can arise from lip frenulum piercings as a result of the piercing jewelry, especially if it is a
captive bead ring, rubbing against the teeth and gums.
Additionally, as with many piercings, infection is a risk, especially if the jewelry is not made of hypoallergenic material.
The risk of jewelry migration is particularly high for lip frenulum piercings because the tissue of the lip frenulum is very thin and its area very small.
See also
*
Body modification
*
Lip piercing
References
{{Body Piercing
Body piercing
Mouth