Dental Dam 101: Have Safe and Protected Oral Sexcapades!

Are you a fan of oral sex? It’s possible that you may have heard of a dental dam. 

If not, it’s about time you did! If penetration can be safe and protected via a condom alongside hormonal birth control means, the same goes for dental dam with oral sex. As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Let’s get more acquainted with this contraception method in this learner’s guide.

What is a Dental Dam?

Medical News Today defines a dental dam as “a barrier between a person’s mouth and another person’s genitals.”

More specifically, Cleveland Clinic emphasizes this barrier as a “thin sheet of latex or polyurethane.” As a result, it prevents the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during oral sex. This sheet would be placed over the entire vulva (cunnilingus) or anus (analingus or rimming) before your partner’s tongue makes contact down there.

Dental dams are available in pharmacies and online. You may even check sex stores or sexual health clinics as well.

Benefits of a Dental Dam

Unravel the good aspects of using a dental dam through this short yet informative section.

1 It protects you from STIs.

Again, oral sex can still make you prone to STIs. Thus, dental dams can lessen the chance of getting them. Some STIs you stray away from with this contraception method include:

1. HIV
2. Chlamydia
3. Hepatitis 
4. Gonorrhea
5. Syphilis

2 They’re easy to use.

A dental dam requires only your hands and the necessary genital (vagina if you’re a vulva owner or anus). Just placing the material on the latter is enough; no need for extra touching. But we’ll get more in-depth on how to use it later.

Regardless, beginners and more experienced ones can use this item.

3 You can make your own one.

A dental dam is made of the same material as a condom, aka. latex or polyurethane. In case dental dams aren’t as common where you live, you can reconstruct a good-quality condom into one. And if you want to learn how to do that, just keep reading this guide.

Disadvantages of a Dental Dam

Here are some downsides when it comes to this contraceptive method.

1 It’s not so known.

In the Philippines, it’s already known that there’s a lack of sexual education. In turn, sexual wellness is still seen negatively. As a result, learning about various contraceptive methods like the dental dam isn’t prioritized.

2 It’s pricey.

Despite having the same material as a condom, a dental dam can cost $1-$2 (Php 56-112). As for a pack of condoms (3 pieces), it costs as low as Php 99.

3 It’s not easily available.

Just like how we lack sexual education in the Philippines, there’s a lack of onhand sexual wellness items. There may be sexual health clinics around, but it’s possible for not every city and municipality to have a sexual health clinic. Even finding them online locally is a challenge.

List of STIs Not Protected Via Dental Dam

As mentioned earlier, not all sexually transmitted infections out there can be avoided via dental dams. It’s important to spread awareness, especially if you or someone you know has a history with it. Even more so if either of you are sexually active.

Healthline shares these specific STIs to be cautious of as contacting them is still possible through skin-to-skin contact:

1. Human papillomavirus (HPV): With or without warts, HPV can be contracted via skin-to-skin contact.
2. Pubic Lice: These pests can jump into your own pubic hair without noticing, even with a dental dam.
3. Genital Herpes: If a sore is not covered by a dental dam, you may contract this STI.

It’s important to be transparent with your sexual history with the person you’re sleeping with for earlier prevention and caution. And vice versa.

How to Use a Dental Dam

Let’s break down each step on how to use this stretchy product down below.

1 Carefully remove the dental dam from its packaging.

This part alone shouldn’t be rough as just like a condom, it can break or rip. The same goes for how you open the package, wherein you shouldn’t use your teeth. It looks hot, sure, but the aftermath may not be the case.

By using your fingers to open the sealed package, it should also gently pull it out. From there, you unfold it to see a more complete view of how wide it is.

2 Position the dam on your desired body part.

May it be the vulva or anus, place the open dental dam there flatly. Make sure it covers the entire spot, especially when it’s quite big enough to do the job.

3 Hold the dam in place.

Just in case you don’t want any air holes or sudden movements from the dam, you may hold it from the side. Lightly enough to cause any rips or damages.

4 Get pleasing!

Once everything is set in stone and you’re both very much in the mood, you can finally have your fun! Even with the dam, everything still feels pleasurable.

5 Replace the dam.

There are two ways this can occur. For one, the dam keeps moving or even breaks mid-way through oral sex. Thus, changing it is ideal for more comfort and prevention of STIs.

Second, you’ve already orgasmed and want to go again. Just like a condom, you replace the dental dam with a new one.

6 Dispose of it properly.

Once you’re done with the deed, you may simply throw it in the trash. You may even put tissue as a covering to keep things modest, private, and germ-free.

DIY Dental Dam

Did you know you can makeshift a dental dam when it’s not available nearby? Since it’s the same material as a condom, you can rebuild it into a dental dam. And here’s how.

1. Purchase a good quality condom: You may want to stock up if you’re going to have a lot of oral sex.
2. Carefully open the package: Use your fingers, not your teeth when you do so. Try to follow the “tear here” slit if it’s present for easy opening.
3. Unfold the condom.
4. Snip off the tip and the rolled ends.
5. Cut off one side of the condom.
6. Spread out the now-open condom, making it a usable dental dam.

Do’s of Using a Dental Dam

Keep in mind on what means are okay and safe when using this means of protection. Some of them may have been mentioned prior, but it’s important to be reminded so nothing gets jeopardized.

1 Do keep the dental dam on the entire time until you’re done.

Once the dental dam is secure on your desired body, keep it there. No need for extra repositioning unless it starts exposing said part.

2 Do research on the various dental dams available in your area.

Ensure its quality and read various reviews from other customers that may give you a clearer idea of what to expect. Keep your options open if it’s a possibility in your area.

3 Do use a new dental dam after each session.

These products are not to be reused. So once you’ve reached an orgasm and soaked the dental dam through, it’s time to change it.

4 Do add some water-based or silicone-based lubricant.

These types of lubricants create less friction during oral sex and still ignite a lot of pleasure. Apply them in between your skin and the dental dam.

5 Do know your allergies.

This tip is especially crucial because one of the main materials of dental dams is latex, which is a type of allergy. If you have that allergy, you’ll be aware of how to avoid it and steer towards the available alternatives like polyurethane.

6 Do ensure that the dental dam has no flaws beforehand.

Upon opening the package or creating a DIY dental dam, double-check it! Inspect any possible tampers, like rips or small holes.

7 Do store them in a cool, dry place.

And also out of the public eye. Anything that you own that is or is related to sexual wellness is something you’d want to keep private.

8 Do read the packaging and expiry date.

It’s important to understand more about the specific dental dam you’re using to maximize the experience. Reading and noting the expiry date is crucial as well since the period before it ensures freshness and good quality. Beyond that, the product’s ingredients may have gone bad and even possibly affect your skin.

Don’ts of Using a Dental Dam

Prevent any harm to your body with these no-nos surrounding the dental dam.

1 Don’t reuse a dental dam.

Dental dams are one-use only. Once the material is soaked and moist against your skin, it’s a sign to replace it. 

2 Don’t use oil-based lubricants or any other fluids. 

Such lubricants may meddle with the effectiveness of the dental dam. Specifically, it can damage the material.

3 Don’t skip on protection.

Allergies shouldn’t hinder you, not when more options are available.

If polyurethane dental dams are there, make use of them. If only the condoms of the same material are available, read up on our DIY Dental Dam section above.

4 Don’t stretch a dental dam.

Sure, you can hold them in place. But stretching them beyond its mean may rip the material and make you prone to infection. You should also be mindful of the press of the dental dam, wherein if it’s too hard, you may unintentionally overstretch it.

5 Don’t dispose of them in the toilet.

Just like a used condom, don’t just throw your used dental dam randomly. Especially the toilet, where clogging can occur. The same goes for leaving it on the floor if you had oral sex somewhere that isn’t your home (e.g., a hotel room). Such an act is unhygienic and even disrespectful.

Instead, find the nearest trash bin and throw it there.

Extra Safe Oral Sex Tips to Remember

For more cautious oral sexcapades, don’t forget to note these crucial tips. These tips, along with the knowledge about dental dams, can definitely be a plus when learning everything about sexual wellness.

1 Communicate constantly.

Before having oral sex, you can discuss how far you want to go and the usefulness of a dental dam during it. During oral sex, you can tell your partner to go faster or slower. Maybe adjust the dental dam if you feel it getting loose. After oral sex, the two of you can debrief on what went right and what can be improved. Pillow talk also counts, especially as a way to unwind.

2 Be open with your sexual history.

Reiterating this so that it encourages honesty and prevents any health risks from occurring. This tip should be done before engaging in anything so you can make the proper preparations.

3 Get tested.

On top of the previous tips, having regular check-ups and tests is vital if you’re a sexually active person. It’s always ideal to be clean and be sure of that.

4 Learn more about the various STIs.

Aside from what we shared above, doing more extensive research about STIs spreads more awareness. You may even find deeper information about them that can lessen your risks of getting them and debunk myths about them.

5 Keep an eye on signs that you should not do it.

In a lot of cases, someone with an STI would choose not to engage in the oral deed. But it’s not only the reason. Better Health shares that people who have the following should avoid oral sex:

1. Open sores, ulcers, and blisters around your mouth
2. Throat infection
3. Inflamed piercings 

6 Listen to your body.

Only you would know when enough is enough. If your body is getting tired from the back-to-back orgasms, recognize it. From there, you inform your partner so you can take a break. Listening to your body honors your boundaries and ensures your safety.

Takeaway

A dental dam effectively avoids the spread and contact of sexually transmitted infections. Some people don’t realize that such infections aren’t just present through penetration, so it’s important to stay protected by any means. Even more so when some of them are asymptomatic, using protection can minimize your rate of acquiring it. Let this guide continue to contribute more knowledge to the vast world of sexual health and wellness.

For more sexual health-related guides such as this one, make sure to check us out on the Lauvblog here.