What are Dental Dams - How to use it, Homemade option

Dental Dams – In a world where more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections are acquired every day across the globe, according to the World Health Organization, dental dams are like bodyguards for your person against STIs in cases of oral sex. They become particularly essential considering that most STIs, like herpes and HPV, can be transmitted via oral-genital contact.

Whether you’re a curious teenager, a sexually active adult, or interested in improving your general IQ on sexual health, get ready for lift-off. We’re diving headfirst into the world of dental dams – what they are, why they matter, and how they can make your sex life safer and arguably even more fun. By the time you flip to the last page of this guide, you’ll probably know a thing or two about the stuff.

What are dental dams?

Dental dams are rectangular sheets that were designed for dental procedures but today are drastically used in sexual health for safeguarding one from oral sex. These stretchy sheets work by acting as a barrier between the mouth and either the genitals or the anus, remarkably reducing the chances of STI contraction. Latex is the most common material used in dental dams; however, non-latex varieties, like polyurethane, are available for those who have latex allergies.

These dams are similarly effective and protective. Used for oral sex, namely for cunnilingus (oral stimulation of the female genitals) and anilingus (oral stimulation of the anus). They are laid flat over the genitals or the anus to act as a barrier. Flat, rectangular sheets, are not shaped to fit any particular body part, and are just laid over an area that is being stimulated. They are held in place by hand over the genital or anal area during oral sex.

Now, picture the same couple engaging in oral sex. Dental Dam could be used by the female partner by placing it over her vulva and her partner performing oral sex. It excludes, hence increasing sensitivity and pleasure, direct mouth-to-genital contact and reduces the risk of STI passage.

Availability and Usage in India

While not as easily available as condoms, dental dams are indeed available in India, and in a few forms at that. You could get them online on pharmacies and e-commerce platforms, in some physical pharmacies in big cities, or through sexual health clinics and NGOs. However, awareness and usage remain low. According to the NFHS or reports by organizations working on sexual and reproductive health, such as the Population Foundation of India, only about 2% of sexually active individuals in India are aware of dental dams—a gap that needs to be covered in sexual health education, accessibility, and awareness.

How to Use Dental Dam?

While condoms are very much in the limelight with regard to their use in penetrative sex, dental dams are one of the often overlooked tools in safe oral activities. It may sound a little unfamiliar to use Dental Dam, but actually, it’s pretty easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Following these few steps will show you that this barrier method is nothing hard to fit into your sexual routine for peace of mind and pleasure.

Here is an easy guide to confidently using Dental Dam and making all those intimate moments safe yet satisfying.

Check Dental Dam package for its expiration date.
Unfold Dental Dam and check for any holes or torn areas.
If cornstarch powder is on Dental Dam, rinse it off with water. Starch can cause infection in the vagina and irritation to the anus.
Place Dental Dam over your partner’s genitals, and hold it so that it doesn’t move around too much.
One side of the dam should contact the genitals while the other one is supposed to contact the mouth.
When you are done performing oral sex on your partner, you should dispose of the dam. Dental dams are supposed to be used once.
Wash your hands with soap and water.

Apply some water-based lubricant on the side that is going to face the genitals or anus for better pleasure and comfort.

Homemade Dental Dams

If you are in a situation where you don’t have Dental Dam, yet you would like to have safe oral sex, you can always make one with a condom. Not the best option—ideally, you should use Dental Dam for this purpose, since it’s a professionally manufactured solution—but at least it’s something: You can fashion Dental Dam from a condom like so:

With some scissors, cut off the top and bottom of the condom.
Cut up one side so it forms a rectangular sheet.
Unroll and use like Dental Dam-one you’d buy in the store.

However, Professionally manufactured dental dams are the way to go for optimal protection.

A note from kamarth

You can still spread STIs and other illnesses with oral sex, despite the common misconception that STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are mostly spread through sexual contact. So it’s critical to defend oneself. Dental dams provide an excellent kind of protection during oral intercourse i.e. mouth-to-vagina or mouth-to-anus sex. Dental dams not only protect you from STIs but also enhance the pleasure feeling.

Some Additional Doubts

Question: Should I use dental dam with my wife?
Answer: When there is a chance that STIs might transmit during oral intercourse, dental dams must be used. When having oral sex with someone you don’t know well or if you’ve had or are having sex with more than one partner, it’s very crucial to wear dental dams.

Question: Are dental dams good for oral?
Answer: Dental dams are a simple and efficient barrier technique of STD prevention during oral sex.

Question: Do lesbians use dental dams?
Answer: Unfortunately, very few couples utilize dental dams. However, dental dams remain an excellent method of practicing safer oral sex!

Question: Dental dams are just too complicated to use effectively.
Answer: Nope! Dental dams are actually quite easy to use as essentially a sheet you throw on while you’re having oral sex. They have been designed in such a way that they should be really easy to handle and seamlessly fit into your activities.

Question: Are homemade dental dams as good as store-bought ones?
Answer: Homemade dental dams can be useful in an emergency, but they cannot take the place of professionally manufactured dental dams. For complete safety and effectiveness, only use dental dams that have been manufactured for that purpose.

Reference Links:
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/
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

What are Dental Dams – How to use it, Homemade option

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