How to use Dental Dams

What is a Dental Dam?

A dental dam is a type of barrier method that is used in any kind of oral sex (vaginal or anal). Dental dams can be made of a variety of materials, including latex, neoprene, nitrile, or polyurethane. Some dental dams come in flavors some do not.

Although oral sex may be less risky than other forms of sex, you still have the risk of getting STDs. Although formal testing of the effectiveness of dental dams is limited, dental dams are theorized to protect against the following STDs:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Syphilis
• HIV

Brief History of the Dental Dam

Why are they called dental dams? The name dental dam refers back to their original use in dentistry. A dentist would place dental dams in order to separate the site they were working on from the rest of the mouth.

Their use in safe sex began with the early days of the AIDS crisis and other 1980s safe sex campaigns. They were introduced in some female prisons after the World Health Organization’s recommendation.

Complaints about how thick earlier versions of dental dams were led to the creation of thinner dams that are now standard. Glyde Health and Line One Laboratories in originally created these dams in 1993 and 1994.

How to use a dental dam?

1. Check the packaging. Make sure that the dental dam is still within the expiration date.
   1. Why: The material dental dams are made of degrades over time leading to a higher chance of tears or causing an infection.
2. Open the packaging carefully.
   1. Avoid using knives or scissors since you may tear the product.
3. Check the dental dam for holes or tears.
4. Rinse off any powder that may be on the product (optional).
   1. The powder is there to prevent the dental dam from sticking to the packaging it comes in.
5. Place silicone or water-based lube between the vulva/anus and the dental dam (not the side where your mouth will be). Lube makes the sensation feel better and prevents the dental dam from tearing due to friction.
   1. Do not use oil-based lube (cooking oil, petroleum jelly, baby oil) since it can breakdown the dental dam.
6. Place the dental dam flat against the vulva or anus.
   1. You or a partner will have to hold it in place the entire time.
   1. It may move and that is okay, just place it back and have fun.
7. Throw it away after use!
   1. If you do it again then use a new one!

SHAG: How to Use a Dental Dam! | Brown University Health & Wellness

Cost & where to find it?

Dental dams usually cost around $1 to $ 2 per dam. They are often a lot harder to find than condoms. You can check your local drugstore or medical supply store. You can also find them sold online in places like:

• Amazon
• GlobalProtection.com
• Total Access Group

How to Store them

To ensure the longevity of your dental dams, make sure you store them in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. It is also advised you don’t leave them in places where they may be accidentally torn, such as a backpack with pencils, or a drawer with sharp objects.

Potential Alternatives

If you cannot find or do not have a dental dam, you can try these potential alternatives.

Condom Method

1. Cut the top and bottom off a condom
2. Cut down one side of the condom so that it can lay flat
3. Check for any tears or holes
4. Press it against vulva or anus similar to a dental dam
5. Have fun!

Latex Glove

1. Cut the fingers and base of glove
2. Gut down one side of glove so it lays flat
3. Check for any tears or holes
4. Press it against vulva or anus similar to a dental dam
5. Have fun!

Plastic Wrap

• Make sure it is not permeable plastic wrap.
• No research on if it blocks STDs, but it does limit body fluids due to being waterproof.
• Be sure to check for tears or holes before use.

Lorals

Lorals are underwear that can be used for oral sex. These may be easier to use and more efficient than dental dams since no one has to hold them in place. These and similar products do tend to be on the pricier side, but as someone who has tried them personally. They are worth it!

1. Open the packaging
2. Check for tears or holes
3. The person receiving oral sex puts them on
4. Have fun!