Understanding Smiley Piercings
The smiley piercing passes through the frenulum inside the upper lip and reveals itself only when you smile. This guide covers who it suits, why the frenulum makes it a semi-permanent piercing for most people, pain levels, healing and what to know about dental health before you book.Understanding Smiley Piercings
A smiley piercing (also called a frenulum piercing or scrumper) passes through the frenulum labii superioris, the thin strip of tissue that connects the inside of the upper lip to the upper gum. The jewellery sits entirely inside the mouth and is completely hidden when the mouth is closed or at rest. It only becomes visible when you smile or open your mouth widely, which is precisely where the name comes from.
The effect is a subtle flash of jewellery that appears and disappears with your expressions. This makes the smiley one of the most discreet piercings available: genuinely invisible in most professional or formal settings, yet present and distinctive among people who know to look for it. It has grown significantly in popularity as a result, with people attracted to the reveal quality that no external facial piercing can replicate.
The smiley is anatomy dependent. Your frenulum must be thick and prominent enough to hold jewellery without it sitting under excessive tension. A piercer will check this at consultation. People with very thin or short frenulums, those with braces, active gum disease or existing gum recession should not get this piercing. The frowny piercing is the lower lip equivalent, passing through the lower lip frenulum and revealing itself when you frown or pull the lower lip down.
Is a Smiley Piercing Permanent?
Does a Smiley Piercing Hurt?
Most people rate smiley piercing pain at 2 to 4 out of 10, making it one of the least painful piercings available. The frenulum is extremely thin tissue with relatively few nerve endings, so the needle passes through in a fraction of a second with minimal sensation. Many people who expected significant pain are surprised by how quick and unremarkable the actual piercing feels. A brief pinch is the most common description.
Healing is one of the fastest of any piercing type. The mouth has an excellent blood supply and oral tissue regenerates faster than skin or cartilage. Most smiley piercings complete their healing within 4 to 12 weeks with consistent aftercare.
| Stage | Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | Days 1–7 | Mild tenderness; possible slight lisp for 1 to 2 days while adjusting; jewellery noticeable when eating |
| Settling | Weeks 2–4 | Tenderness fades; piercing feels increasingly normal; surface healing well underway |
| Full healing | Weeks 4–12 | Tissue settled around jewellery; no tenderness; confirm with piercer before considering any jewellery change |
What Jewellery Is Used in a Smiley Piercing?
A captive bead ring is the most common starting jewellery for a smiley piercing. The ring shape follows the natural curve of the frenulum and the small bead peeks out below the upper lip when smiling. A circular barbell (horseshoe) is also a popular starting option and creates a slightly different visual effect with two ball ends visible. Flat-back labret studs are not used in smiley piercings as the flat surface does not accommodate the thin curved frenulum tissue.
| Style | Best For | Size Guide | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captive bead ring | Fresh and healed | 16G, 6–8mm inner diameter | Most common starting jewellery; ring follows frenulum curve naturally |
| Circular barbell (horseshoe) | Fresh and healed | 16G, 6–8mm inner diameter | Two ball ends visible when smiling; similar to a septum horseshoe in format |
| Seamless ring | Healed piercings | 16G, 6–8mm inner diameter | Minimal and elegant; no visible bead; disappears unless directly viewed |
The smallest appropriate ring that sits comfortably is always the best choice for longevity. Larger rings create more leverage on the frenulum and accelerate the rejection process. Implant-grade titanium is essential: the jewellery is in constant contact with gum tissue and saliva, so biocompatibility is non-negotiable. Never use sterling silver in a smiley piercing as it tarnishes in the mouth and can permanently stain gum tissue.
For every oral piercing type including tongue, labret, medusa and snake bites, visit the Lip and Mouth Piercing Types Explained guide. For all piercing types in one resource, visit the Piercing Types Explained hub.
Book your smiley piercing at OSCO London
Smiley piercings at OSCO London are just £10. Frenulum anatomy assessed at consultation, implant-grade titanium as standard, full aftercare guidance included.
OSCO London is a professional piercing studio in Northwood, London. Visit the OSCO London homepage to book your smiley piercing and have your frenulum anatomy assessed by a trained professional before your appointment.
How to Care for a Smiley Piercing
Because the smiley piercing is entirely inside the mouth, aftercare focuses on oral hygiene rather than external cleaning. Rinse with sterile saline solution or alcohol-free mouthwash 2 to 3 times daily, particularly after meals and before bed. This washes food debris and bacteria from around the frenulum and jewellery. Good general oral hygiene throughout healing is essential: brush your teeth twice daily being careful not to catch the jewellery with the brush.
Do not repeatedly pull the upper lip up to show people the piercing during healing. Every time you stretch the frenulum you are applying tension to the healing wound. The piercing will be there to reveal naturally when you smile. Keep jewellery movement to an absolute minimum throughout the healing period.
Avoid crunchy, spicy and acidic foods in the first two weeks. Do not use alcohol-based mouthwash. Do not smoke during healing. Avoid intimate oral contact until healing is confirmed. Monitor the jewellery position weekly: if the ring appears to have moved toward the front of the frenulum edge or the tissue above looks thinner than before, visit your piercer for an assessment rather than waiting to see what happens next.
For a complete resource covering every oral and body piercing type, visit the Piercing Types Explained hub at OSCO London, the definitive guide to every piercing placement from lip and mouth piercings through to ear cartilage and body piercings.