Dental Dams 101& How to DIY!
By: Mary Allen
What are Dental Dams?
Dental dams are thin rectangular sheets of latex or other non-porous materials designed to be held against a vulva or anus to prevent or decrease the risk of transmission of STIs during oral sex. They originate from their use in dental offices to isolate teeth during procedures, and the ones designed for STI protection are slightly thinner.
Pro tip: dental dams are multi-purposed and are also great for those who’d like to engage in oral sex during menstruation but feel squeamish about menstrual blood!
Dental dams aren't as commonly known as condoms, and because of that there are some misconceptions about their use. Some people believe that using a dental dam can "ruin the mood", yet there is nothing unsexy about protection for both parties! Also, they aren't only for oral sex between two assigned female at birth (AFAB) partners - they can be used on the vulva and anus of partners of any gender!
Types of Dental Dams
Most dental dams are made of latex. For those with latex allergies, there are latex free alternatives made from polyurethane. A lot of dental dams are also flavored, but it’s important to read the ingredients and confirm flavors with your partner to avoid triggering allergies or causing skin irritation. For example, if you’re allergic to bananas, it would be best practice to avoid banana-flavored dental dams (and condoms, lube, etc.)!
How to use Dental Dams
Before use, first look for any tears in the material and check the expiration date. To use a dental dam, place the dental dam over the vulva or anus to act as a barrier between the mouth of the person performing oral sex and the genitals. Hold the dental dam in place with your hands (or ask your partner to) and don’t stretch the dental dam as this can cause tears. To improve sensation and help keep the dam in place, it is recommended to apply a water-based or silicone lubricant to the side of the dam touching the skin.
Pro Tip: Do not use oil-based lubricants as these can cause the dam to break and use a new dental dam every time oral sex is performed.
Dental dams should not be used as a replacement for an internal or external condom for penetrative sex, and they do not protect against pregnancy. If interested in learning more about STI prevention with external condoms, check out our complete external condom catalog!
How to DIY a Dental Dam
Unlike external and internal condoms, dental dams can be DIY’d !
Supplies needed:
Condom
Scissors
A consenting partner (as always)
Step 1: Gather your condom, and unwrap with your hands (not teeth)
Step 2: Unroll condom
Step 3: Cut off the tip and bottom of the condom
Step 4: Cut vertically along the condom and reveal your new 1-time use DIY dental dam!
Dental dams can also be DIY’d with gloves! There are two ways to do this. The first is by cutting off the three middle fingers, and then cutting down the middle of the glove. This leaves two finger holes on the side for the user which helps with keeping the glove in place during oral sex. The second way is cutting off all the fingers except for the thumb, and then cutting from the wrist of the glove to the top on the pinky side. The thumb creates a mini condom which can be great for those with clitoral growth, such as from taking testosterone. Just be sure to use powder-free gloves, as the powder can be irritating on skin, especially for people with vulvas.
Where can I get one?
Dental dams are available for purchase online and are available at sexual product stores and select drugstores. Bridgercare also offers free dental dams at our clinic, so stop by for an appointment or just to grab some safe sex tools!