How to Use a Dental Dam

A dental dam is the term for a piece of thin, flexible plastic used to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases during mouth-to-female genital contact (cunnilingus), and mouth-to-anal contact (anilingus). It allows for the recipient to still feel strong sensations, but prevents the transfer of bodily fluids from one partner to another. Using a dental dam properly greatly reduces the risk of STDs like HPV and herpes.
Though dental dams are sold for both sexual and dental use, they can often be difficult to find in stores. For that reason, many people make their own out of regular latex condoms.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Condom Scissors Personal lubricant

Making a Dental Dam

1. Unwrap a latex male condom. Use a regular condom rather than one that has ribs and studs. Whether you choose a lubricated or non-lubricated condom is up to personal preference.

2. Unroll the condom gently down to its full length over your fingers or on a flat surface.

3. Cut off the tip of the condom.

4. Insert one side of the scissors into the condom and carefully cut up the entire length until you reach the opening at the other end.

5. Separate the cut ends of the condom so that you have a flat sheet of latex.

6. Check the latex for any holes or tears. Gently tug the ends and inspect for any weak spots.

Using a Dental Dam

7. Apply personal lubricant generously to the genital or anal area that will receive the oral contact.

8. Place the dental dam over top of the genital or anal area.

9. Apply a thin layer of personal lubricant to the front of the dental dam. This will increase comfort and sensation. Many choose to use a flavored personal lubricant to cover up the taste of the latex. Do not, however, use a flavored lubricant on the genital or anal area, as flavored lubricant usually contains sugar and can cause minor infections.

10. Use your hands to hold the dental damn in place on both sides, and perform oral contact.

11. Ask the receiving partner to gently remove the dental dam upon completion to avoid the transfer of any bodily fluids, and wash your hands.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use plain plastic wrap to make your dental dam, but make sure that you do not use a microwavable kind. Microwavable plastic wrap contains pores to let air and moisture through, and is therefore useless at protecting against STDs.

Resources

• How to Make a Dental Dam
• Department of Health Instructions for Using a Dental Dam

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