Piercing guide › Tongue and frenulum › Smiley
The smiley sits in the frenulum that connects the inside of the upper lip to the gums. It's usually only visible when you smile.
The frenulum has to be strong enough. I check this, lift the lip and pierce across the frenulum.
As initial jewellery I use a small horseshoe made of Bioplast or titanium to ASTM F136. This is one of the exceptions to my rule of not using a ring as initial jewellery: a straight bar doesn't make sense in the frenulum.
The jewellery sits directly against teeth and gums. Tooth enamel and gums can suffer as a result. If your dentist notices changes, take it seriously.
A very thin or barely existing frenulum can't hold jewellery. Then I say no.
Tissue in the mouth heals quickly because it has a good blood supply. In return it swells noticeably in the first few days. Rinse after eating with clear water or an alcohol-free mouthwash. Smoking and alcohol slow down healing.
How to care for the piercing in each phase is explained in detail on the Care and aftercare page. The short version for the mouth: rinse after eating, don't play with the jewellery, have the initial bar shortened in time.
When to get help immediately
Pain and healing time are guide values, averaged from information given by piercing and tattoo studios. Where the figures come from. Everyone feels and heals differently.
Want a smiley or have a question about it?
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