Dental Dam Guide: 7 Tips for Using a Dental Dam

A dental dam is a thin, square piece of flexible latex or polyurethane used to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex. You can purchase dental dams in many drug stores or online, and some sexual health clinics offer them for free. In a pinch, you can even fabricate a DIY dental dam from a standard condom.

Dental dams are the best way to protect you and your partner against STIs while engaging in cunnilingus (oral-vaginal sex) or rimming (oral-anal sex). In addition to STIs, dental dams also provide an effective barrier against E. coli and Shigella bacteria which are sometimes found in fecal matter.

By forming a barrier that stops the exchange of bodily fluids, dental dams greatly reduce the risk of transmitting STIs such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis. While a dental dam can stop the exchange of fluids between sexual partners during oral sex, it is much less successful at preventing infections transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. This means dental dams are not an effective barrier method against STIs like herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and pubic lice. Dental dams are also not an effective method of birth control.

Follow these steps to practice safe oral sex with a dental dam.

1. 1. Remove the dental dam from its package. Carefully remove the dental dam from its packaging, making sure not to tear it in the process.
2. 2. Cover the vaginal or anal opening with the dental dam. When engaging in oral-vaginal sex, place the dental dam flat over the receiver's vulva. For oral-anal sex, place the dental dam flat over the receiver's anus.
3. 3. Hold the dental dam in place. Before beginning oral sex, you or your partner must hold the dental dam in place to prevent it from slipping off. If it falls off or tears at any point, dispose of the dental dam immediately and replace with a new one before continuing to perform oral sex on your partner.
4. 4. Throw away the used dental dam. Dispose of the used dental dam once you’re finished. It's important that you always use a brand new dental dam for your next oral sex session.

Follow these tips to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience while using a dental dam.

1. 1. Only use one side of the dental dam. Flipping the dental dam over to the other side after you've already started using it defeats its purpose, because you are exposing yourself and your partner to any bacteria or viruses that may be on the used side.
2. 2. Always use a brand new dental dam. To ensure your dental dam is clean and intact, always use a new, packaged dental dam for each new session of oral sex. Just like a condom, you should always throw your dental dam away after each use.
3. 3. Check the expiration date on the package. If your dental dam is expired, throw it away and use another one.
4. 4. Inspect the dental dam before using. Examine your dental dam for rips or tears before using it.
5. 5. Use water-based or silicone-based lube. Applying lubricant to the side of the dental dam that touches the oral sex receiver helps prevent the dental dam from ripping and enhances the sensation. Use water-based lubes instead of oil-based lubes, because oil can break down the dental dam. Avoid using lube with spermicide, as it can irritate the mouth and throat.
6. 6. Avoid stretching the dental dam. Avoid stretching the dental dam when you’re holding it in place, because there’s a chance it could tear.
7. 7. Try a flavored dental dam. Try a flavored dental dam to mask the natural taste of latex or polyurethane if you’re the one performing oral sex. Dental dams come in a variety of flavors like mint, vanilla, strawberry, banana, and grape.

If you find yourself in a situation where you want to have oral sex but don't have a dental dam, you can make your DIY dental dam from a condom in these three simple steps

1. 1. Unroll the condom. Carefully remove the condom from its package and fully unroll it. Avoid using a condom that has spermicide, as it can irritate the mouth and throat.
2. 2. Cut off the bottom and top. Use a pair of scissors to snip off the reservoir tip at the top and the ring at the bottom.
3. 3. Cut across the condom longways. Put one scissor blade inside the condom's opening and the other scissor blade outside the opening. Cut the condom completely so that it loses its cylindrical shape and becomes a flat rectangle.

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