Dental Dam – Dental dam is a simple sheet of latex or polyurethane. That’s right — the unsung hero of safer oral sex. A thin, flexible barrier, originally designed for dental procedures hence the name), has found its new calling in your bedroom. Here’s the bombshell: as great as dental dams can be, a study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reported just 9.7 percent of the women surveyed had ever used them during oral sex. You read that right — more than 90 percent are missing out on this protection that can be so easy to use!
Table of Contents
What is Dental Dams?
Dental dam is a small, flexible piece of polyurethane or latex that you can use to protect yourself during oral intercourse. It cannot be used as a contraceptive, but it can help decrease the transfer of body fluids that carry Sexually transmitted infections or Sexually transmitted diseases.
Read Also: Female Condoms – or Internal Condom, How to Use
Importance of Dental Dams
STI prevention is one of the major functions of dental dams. They really give good protection against most common infections, including herpes, HPV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. You are really being proactive at keeping yourself and your partner safe by using dental dams—far more than one study in the Journal of the American Dental Association reported that 75% of dental dams blocked the passage of herpes simplex virus in a laboratory setting.
Dental dams do more than just prevent; they help women take charge of their sexual health. A surprising 65% of women reporting sex with women responded to never having been tested for STIs in a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. They are a concrete way to engage in safer oral sex practices and can prompt necessary conversations about sexual health with partners. In fact, one of the tenets of healthy sexual relationships is open dialogue.
Read Also: Emergency Contraceptive Pills – Unwanted 72, When to take
Overcoming Barriers to Use:
Even with all these benefits, some obstacles still stand in the way of using dental dams. Many people simply are not aware of them; others find them less easily available than condoms. Some operators report a lessening of sensation, and it could be more expensive than condoms. These, however, are not impossible obstacles. Getting yourself and your partner educated about dental dams is a good start. The availability problems will be negated by pre-planning and buying in advance. The sensation issue may be helped by trying different brands and materials. And if you’re thinking about cost, consider it in relation to what STI prevention will save in the long run, anyway.
Read Also: Is Breast Size Matter? – Is bigger best, types
Advantage
The main advantage of dental dams is protect against sexually transmitted infections. It covers the external genitalia and may provide better protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections transferred through skin sores or shedding. Here is the other advantages of using dental dam.
- This product provides a safer choice for partners who rely heavily on oral sexual stimulation.
- It is suitable for both vulva & anus.
- Does not need a prescription to get
- Can be prepared at home before sexual activity.
- Can be created from a variety of materials, depending on allergies & available resources.
Read Also: Porn Addiction – Is it real?, Causes, Signs, Harmful, Beneficial
Disadvantage
Make your health a priority and don’t think much about the disadvantages of using dental dams as everything has its pros and cons. Here are the disadvantages of using dental dams.
- Can be difficult to locate in chemists and shops, and may need to be acquired from sex shops or online.
- If not created or acquired in advance, it might be difficult to be ready in the heat of the moment of intercourse.
- Does not prevent pregnancy.
- More costly than external condoms.
- Some people feel ashamed or uncomfortable while getting or advocating the usage of it.
- Are not as readily distributed globally as external condoms.
- May be tough to keep in place.
- Can reduce sensitivity.
Read Also: 07 Common Causes of Sexual Performance Anxiety and How to Overcome It Fast
How to Make Dental Dams Fun and Enjoyable:
A little creativity and you will want them to be part of your experience. You can think of them as versatile tools to increase pleasure or connection while providing safety.
Flavored dental dams do exist in different flavors, making the experience even better. You will have a good time adding a little variety or buzz into your intimate moments.
Get Creative with Sensory Play
Pair the use of dental dams with flavored lubricants and playful touches. This completely turns around what had been just a safety measure to be directly included in the sensual experience.
Educate and Empower:
Discussing dental dams with your partner opens up lines of communication regarding sexual health and preference—very sensitive subjects. It ensures not only increased trust but also makes both parties more involved and knowledgeable.
Read Also: Masturbation: Benefits & Why People Do It
A note from kamarth
It is in this context that dental dams become very important in practicing safer oral sex. Though data unequivocally shows low awareness and low usage regarding it, there is still a lot of potential to prevent STI. If you know the importance, how to use them, and how to overcome barriers to using them, it is quite a proactive step toward protecting your sexual health.
Dental dams are irreplaceable additions to your sexual health toolkit, whether you’re discovering new sexual experiences or are simply seeking ways to improve your safer-sex practice. Remember: knowledge isn’t only power; it’s protection.
Read Also: Unlocking the Power of Foreplay: Why It’s Important and Surprising Benefits
Some Additional Doubts
Question: Aren’t dental dams a real buzzkill in the moment?
Answer: Not by a long shot! They’re designed to be smooth and comfortable to use. Once you master using it and get into the habit, using one is second nature for keeping yourself safe during sex.
Question: What is the alternative to Dental dam?
Answer: When They are unavailable, you can perform oral sex with plastic wrap. Or you can make it by using external condom as per the instructions mentioned in the article.
Question: Do I only need Dental dam if I’m concerned about STIs?
Answer: Dental dams aren’t only for those concerned about STIs. They are about how to make it more pleasurable and learn intimate techniques safely.
Question: Is dental dam only for multi-partner individuals?
Answer: Well, this is a myth. They are useful for any person who wants to have safe oral sex, no matter how many partners you have. Whether you are in a monogamous relationship or not.
Question: Dental dams reduce sensation during oral sex.
Answer: Some may think it reduce sensation, but this is not true; in fact, they could increase it. While they really do put up a barrier, many people have said to find that the added safety lets them relax and focus all the more on the pleasure. Besides, trying out different brands and materials will help you get a dam that best suits your preference.
Read More:
Egg Freezing: Breaking Barriers or Evolution of Family Planning
Irregular Ovulation – Signs, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Ovulation (A Monthly Cycle) – 04 Phases, Timeline, Pain and Essential Symptoms
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Signs and Symptoms, Causes
Douching (Vaginal Douche): Meaning, Safety, Alternatives & Risks
Reference Links:
https://www.cdc.gov/condom-use/resources/dental-dam.html?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26692602/
https://www.hiv.va.gov/patient/daily/sex/condom-tips.asp
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8161708/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cre2.191
https://www.publish.csiro.au/sh/SH09072
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/15/9/2012
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45279812_The_practical_and_symbolic_purpose_of_dental_dams_in_lesbian_safer_sex_promotion
https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?params=/context/genp_pubs/article/1003/&path_info=Imbery_et_al_2019_Clinical_and_Experimental_Dental_Research.pdf
https://www.aae.org/specialty/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/DentalDams_PositionStatement_updated.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8161708/