Dental Dams

What is a Dental Dam? Dental dams are the barrier to help reduce our risks of infections during cunnilingus (oral sex involving the vulva) or analingus (oral sex involving the anus). Some people have the idea that oral sex with someone with a vulva does not pose STI risks. Anyone wishing to avoid the oral transmission of STIs like herpes, gonorrhea, HPV, syphilis, chlamydia, and intestinal parasites should use a barrier. Like condoms, dams come in both latex and non-latex. Like condoms, they also are available with or without flavoring, if you have preferences in this regard.

How do I use a Dental Dam?

How to Open A Dental Dam:

1. You need to use a new dental dam every time you have sexual intercourse. Never use the same dental dam twice (that means if you are switching covered areas you need to switch dams).

2. Don't “Double Bag” Dams! Use one dental dam at a time! For example, if you are using one dental dam for cunnilingus and you will need a new dental dam if you plan on shifting to analingus.

3. Check the Packaging: Make sure the packet and dental dam appear to be in good condition, and check that the expiration date has not passed.

5. Open the packet at one corner (or the opening tab - if present) being careful not to tear the barrier with your fingernails, your teeth, or by being too rough.

6. Take out the folded square and open it up (it's like the littlest bedsheet on earth) continuing to be careful not to tear the barrier with your fingernails or by being too rough.

How to Use a Dental Dam 1. Just place the unfolded dental dam over the area (vagina or anus).

2. You may want to place some additional barrier-safe lube on the area before putting it on (Lube can be helpful to keep the barrier snug to your body. Use lubricant to stick the barrier to your skin during sexual activity.)

3. Hold the Dam in place with hands during sexual activity. (That may sound like a stumper, until you think about how often you're usually also using your hands anyway with cunnilingus or analingus)

4. Make sure the same side of the dam that's been against the body stays on that side. (Tip: use a permanent marker to put an irreversible word/letter on the corner of one side if you're worried about forgetting which side is which.) 5. When you're done using it, throw it away (in the trash not flushed down the toilet)

Often Lubricant can can help when using a dental dam during intercourse. Dental Dam Compatible Lubes are Water-Based & Silicone-Based. When using a latex dental dam avoid Massage Oils and Oil-Based Lubricants. Even natural oils like Coconut and Olive Oil will break down latex. All oils leave micro-perforations in latex, which will make the condom less effective. Also avoid any lubes with Spermicide (Nonoxynol-9, or N-9)? Public health officials now know that it can actually increase a person's HIV risk and effect latex strength. Spermicide also irritates the cells that line the vagina and the rectum, making them more vulnerable to attack by Viruses and bacteria.

Although it can be tempting to store dental dams in your wallet or purse, these places are NOT the safest condom storage options. Dental Dams need to be stored in a container out of direct sunlight, away from moisture and extreme temperatures. There are many fun and fancy options (but when in doubt a DVD case or Sunglasses case, it works great to store 2-5 Dental Dams). Just make sure your storage works for your lifestyle .Do you need it to be Mobile? Discreet? Accessible? Find what works best for you.

Making Your Own Dental Dam

An easy and cheap alternative to purchasing Dental Dams is using plastic wrap! It is inexpensive, easy to find, odorless, and tasteless, and can be purchased without even a hint of embarrassment. I do not suggest using microwavable plastic wrap because, most microwave-safe wraps have some level of porousness which will decrease the safety of the barrier.

Making a Dental Dam Out of a Condom

How to Open A Condom:

1. You need to use a new condom every time you have sexual intercourse. Never use the same condom twice.

2. Check the Packaging: Make sure the packet and condom appear to be in good condition, and check that the expiration date has not passed.

3. Open the condom packet at one corner being careful not to tear the condom with your fingernails, your teeth, or by being too rough.

How to Make a Dental Dam with a Condom: 1. Carefully unroll the condom (being careful not to tear the condom with your fingernails or by being too rough)

2. Cut the tip off the condom’s head

3. Cut off the bottom ring of the condom. You now have a tube.

4. Insert your scissors straight into the tube and cut the tub open into a sheet. You now have a dental dam!

How Effective are Dental Dams?

Correctly using Dental Dams and other barriers (like external and internal condoms ), every time, can reduce -though not eliminate- the risk of STIs. Currently, there are few statistics available for the effectiveness of dental dams. Specifically, a dental dam can help reduce the risk of transmitting herpes, genital warts (HPV), and HIV.

Where to Buy Dental Dams

Dental dams cost about $1.25 each. They can be purchased individually or in multiples. Dental dams also come in a variety of colors and flavors. You can often get free dental dams from your school, local health provider, or Planned Parenthood. Or you can get affordable dental dams at Drug Stores (like CVS or Walgreen’s), Grocery Stores, sex shops, or even Target. Just look in the “Family Planning” section or aisle.

Dental Dams are an affordable and easy way to reduce risk and avoid fluid exchange. It is important to be prepared, so practice using and discussing risk reduction tools before you participate in sexual activities.

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