What is a dental dam and how do you use it
Thank you for your question!
A dental dam is a piece of latex used as protection during oral vaginal or oral anal stimulation. Since STIs/STDs are easily transmitted in oral sex, dental dams are very important! For information on how to use one, check out this video:
Fun fact: You can make a dental dam out of a male condom! Check it out here.
Extra tips on using dental dams:
Put a few drops of water-based (latex-friendly) lubricant between the dam and your vagina/anus. It will make it more sensitive and it will likely hold in place better.
Never reuse a dental dam or flip it over and use the other side. Once you’re done with it, throw it away.
Use your hands to hold the dam in place, or ask your partner to. A Dental dam won’t work if it won’t hold still.
Store-bought or homemade dams are made of thin latex for high sensitivity. For even more sensitivity, try making your homemade dams out of thinner latex condoms (usually labeled as thin or “extra” sensitivity).
Some people are allergic to latex, and dental dams may give them a rash. Have no worries! You can buy polyurethane dental dams (try ordering them online), or you can make your own by cutting a male or female woman’s polyurethane condom into a rectangular sheet.
Some people also use non-microwaveable plastic wrap (Saran Wrap®) as dental dams. This has not been studied in depth yet, but there is evidence that non-microwaveable plastic wrap can stop virus-sized particles, which could mean it can prevent STIs. Until this has been studied in more detail, sticking with latex dams or condoms (or even a cut-open latex glove) is probably your safest bet. However, plastic wrap is certainly better than nothing, as it does provide at least some level of protection against STIs.
Have fun, experiment with different types of dams and condoms, and find out what you like best!
