WHAT IS IT?
A dental dam is a small, rectangular, thin sheet that is usually used during dental procedures. Dental dams are also used for oral-vaginal or oral-anal sexual pleasure. They can be purchased in a variety of materials and flavours, or they can be made out of external condoms, latex or plastic gloves, and/or kitchen plastic wrap.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
By covering the vulva or anus during oral sex, dental dams protect both users from the spread of STIs through bodily fluids, including vaginal fluids, blood, and saliva. When used for anal-oral sex, they also prevent the ingestion of fecal matter (poop). Dental dams are great for preventing the spread of STIs that do not always have active symptoms, like herpes, which can be transferred through oral sex even without the presence of an active cold sore. Dental dams are not meant to prevent pregnancy.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?
There are very few statistics on the effectiveness of dental dams, but they do reduce the risk of spreading STIs through oral sex.
WHEN SHOULD I USE IT?
Dental dams should be used during any oral sex where there is a risk for the spread of STIs. It is especially important to use dental dams when engaging in oral sexual activity with new/unfamiliar sexual partners, or if you have been/are engaging in sexual activities with multiple sexual partners. Dental dams should be worn during oral sex where blood may be present, such as during someone’s period. Using a dental dam is the safest way to engage in oral-anal sex, even without the risk of STIs because fecal matter can be present on the anus even after a thorough clean.
HOW DO I USE IT PROPERLY?
Dental dams can be purchased or made. If you purchase a dental dam, simply lay the dental dam flat, over the entire vulva covering both the vaginal opening and clitoris or the anus. Do not stretch the dental dam. Someone will need to hold the edges of the dental dam in place. The vulva or anal area can be moistened with a water-based lubricant before putting the dam in place. Do not use an oil-based lubricant, as it will break down the latex. A new dental dam should be used for every act of oral stimulation.
To make a dental dam out of an external condom:
1) Carefully open the package: Just like with using an external condoms for penetrative sex, you want to first open the package carefully with your fingers. As always check the expiry date and look for tears. Wash your hands if possible, and be careful if you have long or sharp fingernails.
2) Fully unroll the condom.
3) Using sharp and clean scissors, cut off the tip of the condom. Be careful not to puncture the condom in other places.
4) Cut off the base of the condom. This step is not necessary, but may prevent the condom from rolling into itself, making it easier to lay flat.
5) Cut down one side of the condom. Be careful not to puncture the condom in other places.
6) Ta-da! You now have a dental dam. Lay the dental dam flat, over the entire vulva covering both the vaginal opening and clitoris or the anus. Do not stretch the dental dam. Someone will need to hold the edges of the dental dam in place. The vulva or anal area can be moistened with a water-based lubricant before putting the dam in place. Do not use an oil-based lubricant, as it will break down the latex. A new dental dam should be used for every act of oral stimulation.
To make a dental dam out of a plastic or latex glove:
1) With a pair of sharp and clean scissors, cut off the four fingers of the glove, leaving the thumb. Be careful not to puncture the glove in other places.
2) Cut up the length of the glove on the opposite side of the thumb. Be careful not to puncture the glove in any other places.
3) Ta-da! You have a dental dam! Lay the dental dam flat, over the entire vulva covering both the vaginal opening and clitoris or the anus. The thumb hole can be used as a sleeve for your tongue! Do not stretch the dental dam. Someone will need to hold the edges of the dental dam in place. The vulva or anal area can be moistened with a water-based lubricant before putting the dam in place. Do not use an oil-based lubricant, as it will break down the latex. A new dental dam should be used for every act of oral stimulation.
ADVANTAGES VS DISADVANTAGES:
ADVANTAGES:
- Protects against STIs. It offers coverage of external genitalia and may better protect from STIs transmitted via skin lesions or shedding.
- Offers a safer sex option for partners who rely on oral sexual stimulation as a major part of their sex lives
- Can be used on both vulvas and anuses
- Does not require a prescription to get
- Can be made at home in advance of sexual activity
- Can be made of several different materials, depending on allergies and available materials
DISADVANTAGES: .
- Can be difficult to find in pharmacies and stores, and may need to be purchased at sex shops or online
- If not made or purchased in advance, can be a burden to prepare in the heat of the moment of sex
- Does not protect against pregnancy
- More expensive than external condoms
- Some people feel embarrassed or uncomfortable when obtaining dental dams or suggesting use of a dental dam
- Are not as widely available worldwide compared to external condoms
- May be difficult to hold in place
- Can lower sensitivity