A dental dam is a thin, flexible barrier, typically made from latex or polyurethane, designed to provide protection during intimate contact. This square-shaped sheet acts as a physical shield, minimizing the transfer of bodily fluids and skin-to-skin contact during oral-genital or oral-anal activities. Utilizing this barrier method is a straightforward and effective way to practice safer sex by reducing the risk of transmitting certain infections. This simple tool helps maintain a hygienic separation between the mouth and the covered areas.
Preparation Before Use
Before using a dental dam, ensure the barrier’s integrity and effectiveness. Always inspect the packaging for the expiration date to confirm the material has not degraded. When opening the sealed wrapper, avoid using teeth, fingernails, or jewelry, as these can create small tears in the material.
After carefully removing the dam, gently unfold the square material, which may be lightly powdered to prevent sticking. Latex dams should only be paired with water-based or silicone-based lubricants, as oil-based products like petroleum jelly or massage oils can weaken the latex structure. A small amount of non-spermicidal, water-based lubricant can be applied to the side that will contact the skin.
Step-by-Step Application
Once prepared, the application requires careful attention to ensure full coverage and stability. The dam must be oriented correctly, ensuring the side intended to contact the mouth remains untouched by the genital or anal area, and vice versa. Gently place the sheet directly over the entire area that will be stimulated, such as the vulva or anus.
Proper placement involves securing the dam so that it remains flat and does not wrinkle or bunch up during use. The person using the dam can lightly hold the edges tautly to prevent the material from slipping or shifting. Maintaining this slight tension is important, as movement could potentially expose the protected area.
The dam must fully cover the entire target area throughout the duration of the activity. If the barrier material moves, it must be carefully readjusted to ensure continuous protection. If the dam is inadvertently lifted or repositioned, it should never be flipped over and reapplied.
Flipping the dam defeats its purpose by allowing fluids or microorganisms from the protected area to be transferred directly to the mouth. If the barrier is removed for any reason, a fresh, unused dam must be immediately employed. Consistent adherence to these placement and maintenance guidelines maximizes the barrier’s effectiveness.
The dam works by creating a mechanical block that is impermeable to infectious agents. This non-porous sheet physically isolates the mucous membranes of the mouth from the skin and fluids of the covered area. The dam should be considered strictly a single-use item, designed for one instance of contact and then discarded. Reusing the dam dramatically increases the chance of cross-contamination.
Safe Removal and Disposal
After use, removing and disposing of the dental dam correctly is the final step in maintaining hygiene. Carefully lift the dam away from the body, ensuring the fingers that handled the used material do not touch the protected area. Remove the barrier without allowing the side that contacted the body to touch surrounding skin or surfaces.
Once removed, the used dam should be immediately wrapped in tissue paper or placed inside a small plastic bag. It must then be discarded into a trash receptacle. Never attempt to flush a dental dam down the toilet, as the material is not biodegradable and can easily cause plumbing blockages.
Sourcing and Safe Alternatives
Acquiring commercial dental dams is simple, as various retailers make them widely accessible. They can be purchased online, at large chain pharmacies, or often obtained at low or no cost from local sexual health clinics. These commercially produced barriers are the preferred method because they are specifically designed for this purpose and meet established safety standards.
If a commercial dam is unavailable, a temporary substitute can be fashioned using materials found in most homes. A non-lubricated, non-spermicidal latex condom can be cut open down its length to create a rectangular sheet. Alternatively, a piece of non-microwave-safe plastic wrap can serve as a temporary barrier.
Improvised Barrier Warnings
These improvised alternatives are not specifically tested and may not offer the same consistent protection as a purpose-made dental dam. If utilizing plastic wrap, ensure it is thin, pliable, and does not contain any added chemicals or powders. While these substitutes offer a better option than no barrier, obtaining a dedicated dental dam should always be the priority.