Dental dam 

During oral sex, a dental dam is a thin, flexible piece of latex that prevents direct mouth-to-genital or mouth-to-anus contact. While still allowing for clitoral or anal stimulation, this minimises your risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  

They're a powerful type of defense, but chances are you've never heard of them. Continue reading to find out what you've been missing out on.  

What do they shield you from?  

Condoms are widely available since safe-sex methods normally focus on penetrative sex. But sexual activity isn't the only way bacteria and illnesses spread. 

STIs can also be acquired or transmitted during oral sex.  

Infections can be classified as follows: 

• syphilis 
• gonorrhoea  
• chlamydia  
• hepatitis  
• HIV 

Barrier measures of protection, such as a dental dam, can considerably limit the danger of exchanging the infectious fluids during oral intercourse. 

If you're interested in oral anal play but are nervous about it, consider utilising a dental dam. This will prevent you from coming into contact with faeces, which can carry pathogens such as E. coli and Shigella, as well as intestinal parasites. 

What are the things they don't protect you from? 

A dental dam can block fluid exchanges, but it won't stop you from spreading illnesses or diseases that are passed from person to person through close skin-to-skin contact. 

Dental dams aren't effective in preventing: 

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that causes cancer in humans (HPV). Whether or whether warts are present, the most common STI can be transmitted through skin contact. 
• Herpes. You may come into contact with a herpes lesion during intercourse if it isn't covered by the dam, resulting in transmission. 
• Pubic lice are a type of lice that can be found on the You might find new guests in your body hair if you got into contact with these bugs during oral sex. 

What store do you acquire these from? 

One reason dental dams aren't as well-known as condoms is because they aren't sold in every drugstore, gas station, grocery shop, doctor's office, or even club bathroom. 

In reality, dental dams may be tough to come by in any store. 

Start by going to an adult store or ordering them online. They are available in a range of sizes and colours. Some of them are even flavorful. If you or a spouse are allergic to latex, dental dams made of alternative materials, such as polyurethane, are an option. 

A dental dam is more expensive than a condom; nonetheless, a single dental dam is usually inexpensive. Before ordering dental dams, check with your local family planning or sexual health clinic to see if they have them in store and can give them to you for free. 

Dental dams are simple to apply. Still, move slowly and gently apply the dam to avoid any tears or holes. 

Tear the packaging open gently. Remove the object from its protective envelope. Place it over your or your partner's vaginal or anus. The rectangle or square piece of material should be large enough to completely cover the vaginal or anal area. 

Do not stretch or press the dam too tightly against the skin. Instead, let it to adhere to the body organically through sweat or static. 

Leave the dam in place until you're done, then throw it away in the trash can. Toss it and acquire a new one if it gets messed up throughout the performance.  

For the best results, 

• Keep the dam in place. If the sheet starts to move throughout the action, you or your partner can use one or both hands to keep it in place. It's critical that you keep the entire area clean to avoid the spread of STIs or bacteria. 
• Lubricate the dam. Place a small amount of lubricant between the dental dam and the skin to help prevent a slippery dam. It's also possible that the lubricated contact will be more enjoyable. Oil-based lubes can degrade latex and create tears, so use a water or silicone-based lube instead. 
• The dam must be replaced. Stop the action if the dam breaks. Before you get back to work, toss out the damaged dam and replace it with a new one. 

Is there no dental dam? It's no problem. You may build your own dam with items you already have around the house. A condom works well as a dental dam. To do it yourself: 

• Unroll the condom package after tearing it open. 
• Snip the coiled ends and the tip. 
• Cut down one of the condom's sides. 
• The latex sheet should be rolled out and used in place of an approved dental dam. 

Haven't got a spare condom? In a pinch, you can use plastic wrap, but keep in mind that it was not designed for this purpose. In reality, no research have been done to show that it is a successful barrier approach. The heavier substance may also detract from enjoyment. 

However, it is preferable to using nothing at all. Simply cut a piece of plastic wrap large enough to cover the vaginal or anal area to accomplish this. Follow the same steps as if you were using a store-bought dam. 

Is it possible to reuse a dental dam? 

Certainly not. With an already-used dental dam, you risk exposing yourself or your partner to a STI or another sort of illness. 

Take Away  

STIs and other illnesses can be spread from one person to the next during oral sex. 

Although an outside condom can be used to perform oral sex on a partner who has a penis, it will not protect you during vaginal or anal oral play. However, you can make your own dental dam with an outer condom. You can order a box online if you don't want to do it yourself.