Dental dams are usually made from latex (although latex-free kinds are available for those with latex allergies). Usually, dental dams consist of a small square or rectangle of material and are designed for single use.
During oral sex, dental dams should be placed between your mouth and the vagina. During anal sex, dental dams are placed between your mouth and the anus as a barrier that could also help protect against parasites.
Dental dams should only be used one time and on one area of the body before being thrown away. You should never flip (or turn over) already used dental dams because that could result in the exchange of body fluids. Dental dams can also be used with lubricants for increased sensation. You can also put a bit of lubricant (that isn't oil based) on the side of the dental dam that touches the skin to keep the latex from sticking. Companies have also created flavored dental dams as a way to encourage their use.
You can buy dental dams from some drugstores, online and from various public health departments. Unfortunately though, many people report that dental dams may be hard to find, and they can also be somewhat expensive. The good news though, is that dental dams are easy to make at home – all you need is a condom and scissors.
Some people use Saran wrap as makeshift dental dams; but, there is little to no research about their effectiveness. So, in actuality, this material may not be effective at all.
To Make Dental Dams:
- Unroll a condom
- Cut off the tip
- Cut down one side of the condom
When making your own dental dams, it may be better to use a non-lubricated latex condom (as condoms lubricated with spermicide may taste bad or make your tongue numb). You can also choose to make dental dams from flavored condoms or from condoms and lubricants designed specifically for use during oral sex.
Looking to buy dental dams online?
