For the longest while, body piercings were taboo for many. Modern society has become more open and accepting to body modifications. Thus, new and unique piercings hit the market at the speed of light. Frenulum piercing is one of the least discussed piercings of all, yet that doesn’t undermine its peculiarity and specific attributes. Would you like to discover the hidden perks of smiley piercing? All it takes is to keep on reading!

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What is a Frenulum Piercing?

What is a Frenulum Piercing?
Credit photo: Shutterstock

First things first, you need to learn what is a frenulum piercing. While the piercing is quite low-key, it is utterly unique and requires courage and knowledge to get one. As with most mouth piercings, there are a few variations that you can distinguish between. Generally, there is tongue and lip frenulum pierced. Both cases involve a connective tissue pierced, so in either case, you can keep the accessory hidden unless you want to truly show it off.

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Frenulum Piercing. All Pros and Cons

Frenulum Piercing. All Pros and Cons
Credit photo: Instagram.com/icopiercing

Just as any other type of piercing, there are different perks and downsides of choosing the given lip or tongue frenulum piercing.

Pros:
  • Piercing of the frenulum is less painful than other oral piercings.
  • It doesn’t bleed as much as all the other piercing types.
  • You can hide the piercing upon your wish.
  • You can experiment with various jewelry types.
Cons:
  • There are certain risks of irritation to be aware of.
  • Not everyone has enough of connective tissue to be pierced.
  • The under-tongue area will swell after the procedure.
  • At times, the piercing gets rejected.

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Frenulum Piercing Jewelry

Frenulum Piercing Jewelry
Credit photo: Instagram.com/icopiercing

When you are ready to give in to the temptation and get that popular frenulum piercing done, you may wonder what the best type of jewelry to get is. The industry experts have it that curved barbells or captive bead rings suit the purpose ideally. If you struggle with which one to pick, a curved barbell comes of use when you want to keep your piercing hidden or at least less visible. At the same time, a captive bead ring will be more noticeable, especially if you opt for the upper-side piercing.

Another curious fact to memorize about frenulum piercing is that a curved barbell helps to speed the healing process up. All due to the fact that there will be a fair share of swelling to deal with, and you can use a longer piece to make it as comfortable as possible. However, you will have to go a size down when the piercing heals. If you don’t do that, you may suffer from enamel or gum damage.

Lastly, the specialists recommend that you opt for either titanium or surgical stainless steel when it comes to piercing jewelry material. These materials are known to be the least allergy-triggering. Besides, neither of the metals don’t hold bacteria, so there is almost no room for inflammation.

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How to Identify and Treat Frenulum Piercing Infection

How to Identify and Treat Frenulum Piercing Infection
Credit photo: Instagram.com/icopiercing

Some piercings are more prone to infection than others. Unfortunately, frenulum piercing, along with all tongue piercings, belongs to the former category. All because of the bacteria that gets into your mouth with foods and drinks, kissing, and oral sex. That is why it is critical to be able to spot the first signs of infection and address them accordingly.

It is okay for the area to be irritated right after you get it pierced. There is room for a bit of swelling, slight throbbing, swelling, white discharge, and little heat. However, if the redness spreads outside the pierced area, it may be the first sign of infection. Among other signs to watch out for, you can add the following ones:

  • Unusual swelling that borders with discomfort
  • Never-ending warmth
  • Extremely painful feelings
  • Puss-like discharge, anything yellowish should be enough to alarm you
  • Bleeding
  • Unusual bumps on the side or the back of your piercing
  • Fever

In the majority of cases, you can deal with a mild infection in the safety of your home. However, if it is your first piercing or the condition gets worse fast, you should visit the piercer immediately.

Lip Frenulum Piercing

Those of you who consider getting a lip frenulum piercing should remember that you can pick between the lower and the upper lip.

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Upper lip frenulum piercing

In case you wonder what smiley frenulum piercing stands for – it is the piercing of the upper frenulum that connects your upper lip to the gums. It is referred to as ‘smiley’ since you can show it off only when you are smiling.

Lower lip

Just like the upper frenulum, the lower is the connective tissue that unites, the lower lip with the gums. This type of piercing is also called a ‘frowny.’

Tongue Web Piercing

Tongue Web Piercing
Credit photo: Instagram.com/icopiercing

Since lip frenulum isn’t the only frenulum to consider when you search for a unique piercing, it’s worth mentioning the tongue frenulum piercing. Tounge frenulum piercing is also called a tongue web piercing. What makes tongue web piercing peculiar is the placing. It is located right under the tongue. When compared to classy tongue piercing, web one isn’t easy to spot unless the wearer chooses to show it.

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Frenulum piercing cost

If you are set upon getting this type of piercing, the frenulum piercings cost would be of interest to you. Most tattoo and piercing shops charge around $40-$90 per piercing. The cost mostly depends upon the type of jewelry you choose. The more intricate is the design and more precious is the metal it is made of – the higher the price will be.

Healing time and aftercare

It is said that frenulum piercing is the fastest to heal, and there’s a grain of truth to it. On average, the frenulum is known to heal within 4-8 weeks. The more careful you are about it, the sooner it will heal. To speed the process up, you should stick to the following pieces of advice.

  • Keep away from spicy food and alcohol.
  • Don’t clean the area too often.
  • Don’t play with the frenulum piercing jewelry too much. Let the wound close up properly.
  • Don’t get too intimate with your significant other, at least a few days after the procedure.
  • Keep away from smoking.
  • Don’t share your personal items with others.
  • Skip on chewing gum.
  • Don’t talk much a few days after the piercing.

FAQ

How long does a smiley piercing last?

This type of piercing is prone to migration and rejection. Thus, it may last you a couple of years or a year solely.

Do frenulum piercings damage teeth?

If you play with your piercing too often, it may result in tooth chipping.

Does everyone have a lip frenulum?

Not every person has enough connective tissue between the lip and the gums to get the frenulum pierced.

How big does your frenulum have to be to get a smiley?

Around ½ inch should be enough to get a smiley piercing.

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