What Are the Different Types of Lip and Mouth Piercings?
From classic labrets to bold snake bites and delicate medusa piercings, this guide covers every lip and mouth placement with pain levels, healing times and jewellery advice.Lip and Mouth Piercing Types Explained
Lip and mouth piercings encompass a wide range of placements around and within the oral area. Unlike most ear piercings, many lip placements involve both an external entry point and exposure to the inside of the mouth, which has implications for aftercare, jewellery choice and long-term dental health.
Lip piercings broadly divide into single placements such as the labret, medusa and monroe as well as paired or combined configurations known as bites, such as snake bites, angel bites and spider bites. Each placement has a distinct aesthetic, a specific jewellery requirement and its own healing characteristics. This guide covers all the main types in full.
Individual Lip and Mouth Piercings
Bites Piercings: Paired and Grouped Lip Configurations
Bites piercings are configurations of two or more lip placements named after the appearance of an animal bite. Each is essentially a combination of standard labret or lip piercings. They can be done in one session or staged across multiple visits.
| Bites Type | Configuration | Location | Holes | Best Jewellery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snake Bites | Two labrets, symmetrical | Either side of lower lip | 2 | Labret studs, small hoops |
| Spider Bites | Two labrets, close together | One side of lower lip | 2 | Labret studs, rings |
| Angel Bites | Monroe + Madonna combined | Either side of upper lip | 2 | Flat-back labret studs |
| Cyber Bites | Medusa + labret combined | Upper and lower centre | 2 | Flat-back stud, labret |
| Dolphin Bites | Two labrets, close together | Centre of lower lip | 2 | Labret studs |
| Shark Bites | Two pairs on lower lip | Both sides of lower lip | 4 | Labret studs, rings |
| Canine Bites | Angel + snake bites combined | Upper and lower both sides | 4 | Labret studs |
Lip Piercings and Dental Health
Lip and mouth piercings that have an intraoral component carry a small risk of gum recession and tooth enamel damage if the jewellery repeatedly makes contact with teeth and gums. This is most relevant for labret, ashley and tongue piercings. Choosing the correct length of post and using flat-back titanium jewellery significantly reduces this risk.
Inform your dentist that you have a lip piercing at your next appointment. Most dental professionals are familiar with oral piercings and can advise on any adjustments to your jewellery length if needed. Keeping the inside of your mouth clean during healing, including rinsing with a saline or alcohol-free mouthwash after eating, is essential for all lip piercings.
Looking to explore all piercing types in one guide? Visit the Piercing Types Explained hub page for a complete breakdown of every piercing placement from ear and nose to body and genital piercings.
Book your lip piercing at OSCO London
All piercings at OSCO London are just £10, performed by professional piercers using implant-grade titanium flat-backs as standard.
OSCO London is a professional piercing studio in Northwood, London. Visit the OSCO London homepage to view the full range of piercing services available, including lip and mouth piercing options and appointment booking.
How to Care for a New Lip or Mouth Piercing
Lip and mouth piercings require both external and internal aftercare. Clean the outside of the piercing twice daily with a sterile saline solution. For piercings with an intraoral component, rinse the inside of your mouth with a sterile saline solution or an alcohol-free mouthwash after eating and drinking for the first few weeks.
Swelling is common and expected for the first three to five days. Initial jewellery is always fitted slightly longer than the final size to accommodate this swelling. Once the swelling has subsided, return to your piercer for a downsizing appointment to reduce the risk of the jewellery catching on your teeth or gums.
For guidance on every other piercing type, head to the Piercing Types Explained hub, covering all placement categories including ear, nose, body and specialist piercings.