Lip frenulum piercing
3483839
225880847
2008-07-15T20:58:13Z
Udaza
7481321
{{Infobox Piercing
| name = Lip frenulum
| nicknames =
| image =
| image_size =
| location = [[F. labii superioris]]
| jewelry = [[barbell (piercing)|Barbell]], [[captive bead ring]]
| healing time = 6 to 8 weeks
}}
A '''lip frenulum piercing''' is a [[body piercing]] through the [[frenulum]] of either the upper or lower [[lip]]. A piercing through the upper lip frenulum is sometimes called a scrumper, or a smiley, because it can be visible when the wearer smiles. Opposingly, the piercing through the lower lip frenulum is sometimes referred to as a frowny.
Such piercings, anatomy permitting, are relatively simple procedures. Healing time is typically six to eight weeks.<ref>[http://www.med.nyu.edu/healthwise/article.html?hwid=not250521#not250521-sec Body piercing healing time] from the [[New York University|NYU]] Medical Center website</ref> Rinsing with an [[antibacterial]] [[mouthwash]] three or four times a day helps with the healing process; those with new piercings should also avoid smoking, alcohol, and [[spicy food]]s until the piercing site is fully healed.<ref>[http://www.med.nyu.edu/healthwise/article.html?hwid=hw250805#hw250969 Home Treatment after Piercing] from the NYU Medical Center website</ref>
==Jewelry==
Jewelry for piercings should meet the following requirements:<ref>[http://www.med.nyu.edu/healthwise/article.html?hwid=sig250789 Appropriate jewelry for body piercing sites] from the NYU Medical Center website</ref>
* The jewelry should be removable; for example, one ball on the end of [[barbell (piercing)|barbell-style]] jewelry could be unscrewable.
* The jewelry should allow for full cleaning of the piercing site.
* The surface of the jewelry should be free of nicks, scratches, or jagged surfaces that might damage the piercing site.
* The jewelry should be the right thickness: if its too thin, it can tear through the site, while excessively thick jewelry can cause an [[abscess]], a [[cyst]], or the formation of [[scar tissue]].
* The jewelry should be made from nonallergenic metals; in new piercings, only [[surgical stainless steel]], and [[alloy]]s with [[gold]], [[platinum]], [[niobium]], or [[titanium]] should be used. Both nickel- and [[brass]]-plated jewelry should be avoided.
Both [[captive bead ring|ring]] and [[barbell (piercing)|barbell]] style jewelry can be worn in these piercings. Usually the jewelry worn in these piercings is low gauge, as there is not much tissue to pierce or stretch, and larger gauge jewelry may be more likely to damage the teeth and gums. [[Captive bead ring]]s are more common as they provide more visibility than a barbell.{{Fact|date=November 2007}}
==History and culture==
Both variations on this piercing are of contemporary origin. Although they are known to have existed prior, first documented photograph{{Fact|date=November 2007}} of an upper lip frenulum piercing was an image of [[body modification]] practitioner [[Steve Haworth]] in a [[Germany|German]] magazine in the mid 90's.
==References==
<references />
{{Body Piercing}}
[[Category:Body piercing]]
[[Category:Mouth]]
[[Category:Oral pathology]]
[[Category:Dental disorders]]
[[Category:Dentistry]]
[[Category:Dentistry stubs]]
[[Category:Pain]]
[[de:Lippenbändchenpiercing]]
[[he:פירסינג]]