A serious health warning has been issued to anyone who tries to copy Team USA star Alysa Liu’s viral look after her historic triumph at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 20-year-old figure skater delivered a performance for the ages in Milan, winning gold in the women’s singles event on February 19, adding to the team gold she had already secured earlier in the Games.
With the victory, Liu has now become the first American woman to win an individual Olympic figure skating gold medal in 24 years and the first USA medallist in the event since 2006.
But while her stunning routine stole headlines, it was something else that quickly went viral: the silver spikes visible above her teeth.
Alysa Liu of Team United States won gold on February 19. Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty
Historic Performance In Milan
Liu scored a staggering 150.20 in the free skate, pushing her overall total to 226.79 – just 2.43 points ahead of Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, who took silver, while Ami Nakai claimed bronze.
Japan’s Mone Chiba finished fourth, ahead of Liu’s US team-mate Amber Glenn, who rose from 13th to fifth after an excellent free skate. Russian champion Adeliia Petrosian came sixth following a fall.
The win capped a tremendous comeback for the 20-year-old, who previously quit the sport aged 16 after missing out on a medal at Beijing 2022.
A warning has been issued to anyone who attempts to copy Gold medalist Alysa Liu’s trend. Credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty
The ‘Smiley’ Piercing That Sparked A Trend
Following her achievement, cameras zoomed in on what appeared to be silver spikes positioned above Liu’s teeth.
The jewelry is known as a ‘smiley’ piercing, which is placed in the tissue that connects the upper gum to the lip and is only visible when someone smiles or makes a wide facial expression.
In January, the gold medalist revealed to NBC’s TMJ4 News that she carried out the piercing herself 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 I was looking up and I had my piercing needle… and then, yeah, I just put it through.”
The admission has only fueled both fascination and concern on social media.
Health Experts Issue Stark Warning
Dentists are now warning fans against trying to imitate the piercing, particularly at home.
According to the American Dental Association, oral piercings carry risks due to the high levels of bacteria present in the mouth.
A guide published by MouthHealthy, in partnership with the ADA, states: “Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection and swelling often occur with mouth piercings.
“For instance, your mouth and tongue could swell so much that you close off your airway or you could possibly choke if part of the jewelry breaks off in your mouth.”
“In some cases, you could crack a tooth if you bite down too hard on the piercing, and repeated clicking of the jewelry against teeth can also cause damage.”
The ADA also cautions of other possible side effects, including: Infection and swelling, bleeding, scarring, embedded jewelry that requires surgical removal, unusual discharge from the piercing, and damage to your teeth and gums.
The guide added: “Of course, the best option is to consider removing mouth jewelry before it causes a problem.
“Don’t pierce on a whim.
“The piercing will be an added responsibility to your life, requiring constant attention and upkeep.
“Talk to your dentist for more information.”