How Do You Use A Dental Dam?
April 30th, 2010Consensual Text is featured on Twitter and on Facebook . Fan and follow us for info on a range of topics pertaining to sex and sexual health!
(This week’s question came from a 19 year old male reader.)
Ever had a root canal? (No worries…using a dental dam is not painful and doesn’t require a professional.) Your dentist probably used a dental dam to isolate your tooth that she/he was working on: it is a way to keep things free of bacteria in your mouth (dentist talk) or in your partner’s vulva or anus (sex talk).
“The little square of latex” functions as a barrier when performing oral-vaginal sex (cunnilingus) and oral-anal sex (rimming) and helps prevent the spread of STIs.
Let’s get technical first: dental dams are available for purchase over the counter in most drug stores, online, in sex shops, and at many health centers or doctor’s offices. They are made of thin latex, measuring approximately 6×8”, and come in a variety of flavors and/or scents. There are non-latex dental dams available for people with latex allergies. As with condoms, always check the expiration date, as latex breaks down over time and loses efficacy. When this happens, small, microscopic holes allow bacteria and infection to spread, defeating the point of using one in the first place. (If the dam comes with a powder-like substance on it, wash it off and air or towel dry prior to using it.) For even more info, click here.
Now, about using it:
Spread the dam over the entire vulva, covering the vaginal opening and clitoris. During oral-anal contact, use the dam to cover your partner’s anus. Never use the same dental dam for both oral-vaginal and oral-anal sex.
Some people like to use some water based lubricant on the vagina or anus beforehand to increase stimulation, thus heightening the enjoyment of oral and anal sex when using a dental dam.
Alternatives to dental dams include a non-lubricated male condom with the tip cut off and cut down the length of the condom or plastic wrap (NOT the microwavable kind).
tickle and tease with the dam, especially after both of you are really ready for sex, to intensify the anticipation.
Don’t think they are too much trouble and pleasure kills – you are being safe by using one and you will both will enjoy the experience – smell, taste, stretch of the dam – if you play with it and have a little fun.
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England’s Education Department carefully selects all weekly questions. All questions are actual inquiries made to PPNNE by college-aged students.
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