Dental dams are thin, flexible pieces of latex or polyurethane used as a barrier between the mouth and the vagina or anus during oral sex. Like external and internal condoms, they’re designed to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and should be used only once.
Ready-to-use dental dams can be purchased online or at some drug stores; you also can make a DIY dental dam out of an external or internal condom.
History
Dental dams originally were developed for use by dentists to isolate areas of the mouth being treated and to prevent bacterial contamination.
A dental dam is similar to an external and internal condom in that it is used to help protect sexual partners from sexually transmitted infections but is designed to be used during oral sex.
In the 1990s, people began using dental dams for oral sex. In 1998, the condom company Glyde USA received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a latex dental dam designed for oral sex. Originally called Glyde Dam Lollyes, the product now is available as Sheer Glyde Dams.
Purpose
Dental dams can help reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection when used during oral-vaginal sex (cunnilingus) and oral-anal sex (anilingus, also known as rimming). They prevent the transmission of viruses and other microbes from one partner to another directly or via body fluids.
Dental dams can also act as a barrier against bacteria found in fecal matter such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), during oral-anal sex.
Types
Most dental dams are made of latex. However, there are versions made of polyurethane for people who are allergic to latex. To encourage their use, some manufacturers have created flavored dental dams.
Dental dams are most easily available online. They’re sometimes sold in drugstores in the family planning aisle or from public health departments. Wherever purchased, dental dams are quite affordable: The typical cost is $1 or $2 each.
DIY Dental Dams
Dental dams aren’t as readily available as external or internal condoms, but in a pinch, you can make your own using a non-lubricated latex or polyurethane external condom; it can be flavored if that’s your preference:
- Remove the external condom from the package and unroll it.Using scissors, snip off the tip of the external condom.Cut off the rubber base of the external condom.Cut the external condom lengthwise from tip to base. Be very careful not to poke a hole in the condom as you trim it; otherwise, it will be useless.
How to Use
Using a dental dam is simple: During oral-vaginal sex, the dam is placed flat over the vulva to serve as a barrier between the mouth of the person performing oral sex and the vagina of the person receiving it. Similarly, during oral-anal sex the dental dam is placed over the anus to create a barrier between the mouth and the anus.
Don’t be tempted to use plastic wrap as a makeshift dental dam. There’s no research to show it’s effective for preventing STIs. What’s more, the thickness of plastic wrap may dull sensation.
Once positioned, the dam must be held in place by either the person performing oral sex or the person receiving it. If it slips or is punctured, oral sex should be stopped immediately. The dam should be disposed of and replaced with a fresh one before sex is resumed. Used dental dams should be disposed of immediately.
Effectiveness
Few studies have examined the use of dental dams for preventing STIs, but, likely, they can substantially reduce the risk of infection from a wide variety of viruses and bacteria known to be transmissible via oral sex, including:
Use a new dental dam every time.
Check the expiration date before use and follow instructions on the package
Check for tears in the latex or polyurethane
Apply a water-based or silicone lubricant to the side of the dental dam that touches the skin to help prevent breakage and improve sensation.
Store dental dams in a cool, dry place.
Dispose of dental dams in the trash after use or if the expiration date has passed.
Fit a used dental dam over in order to reuse it. You could still be exposed to body fluids harboring viruses or bacteria.
Use oil-based lubricants, such as baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly, or cooking oils as they will cause the dental dam to break.
Stretch a dental dam since it may lead to a tear.
Use a spermicide or make a dental dam out of external condoms with spermicide because it can cause irritation.
Syphilis
Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
HIV
Human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer or head or neck cancers
Herpes
Trichomoniasis
The same goes for STIs associated with oral-anal sex:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Giardia or other intestinal parasites
- E. coli and other bacteria
A Word From Verywell
While the idea of using a dental dam during oral sex may seem unwieldy or unpleasant, it doesn’t have to be if you make it part of the experience rather than a necessary precaution. If you have a partner who’s reluctant to use a dental dam, think very carefully about proceeding, especially if they are not a long-term partner or someone you’ve just met. The encounter likely won’t be worth the risk to your health or to theirs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are dental dams used for?
- Dental dams are used for oral sex and act as a barrier between the mouth and the vagina or anus. They are used to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Like external and internal condoms, they should be used only once, then discarded.
- Where can you buy a dental dam?
- Dental dams can be bought online as well as in drugstores, although they may not be as easy to find in stores as external and internal condoms.
Dental dams are used for oral sex and act as a barrier between the mouth and the vagina or anus. They are used to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Like external and internal condoms, they should be used only once, then discarded.
Dental dams can be bought online as well as in drugstores, although they may not be as easy to find in stores as external and internal condoms.
