While many people are familiar with oral piercings such as labrets, many are unaware that oral piercings have extended into new territories. There are a variety of jewelry styles available for the increasing amount of new inner-oral piercings. Oral piercings are not for everyone, especially not for the faint of heart. However, they do bring a unique look to the wearer and to others who have an interest in body modification.
Cheek Piercings
The cheek piercing (or piercings,) is fairly straightforward. Cheek piercings use a labret stud piercing that goes through the cheek. The cheek piercing is usually located where a dimple would be seen, however other placement areas are also optional. It is also not uncommon for the piercing to be placed elsewhere, or to have multiple cheek piercings.
Smiley Piercing
The smiley piercing can go by a variety of names in different regions, however many are familiar with the term “smiley.” Occasionally, this piercing is referred to as an upper lip frenulum piercing. This particular oral piercing passes through the webbing on the inside of the upper lip, in the center between the two front teeth.
Frowny Piercing
Like the smiley, the frowny can go by many names depending on the region of the world. Some refer to the frowny as an inverted smiley piercing. The frowny, also like the smiley, is located on the center webbing of the inside of the lip, only the frowny is located on the lower lip rather than the upper lip. Unlike the smiley, the frowny is much more private and cannot be seen unless the wearer uses an unusually large piece of jewelry, or specifically shows the piercing to someone.
Uvula Piercing
Many people are familiar with the little “punching bag” located at the back of the throat, often triggering an unwanted gag reflex. That being said, many do not understand the purpose of actually piercing the uvula. While some say that having their uvula pierced represents a high state of mind, others simply do it for the sheer thrill of a unique piercing.
Whatever the reason may be, this piercing is still quite rare and most wearers use a captive bead piercing. Healing generally takes just a few short weeks; however it is not recommended that the wearer remove or change jewelry without professional help from a trained piercer who has experience with uvula piercings.
There are a variety of new piercings available today, some more unique than others. However, uniqueness, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
