Dental dam

A dental dam is a thin, flat sheet of latex (or polyurethane) that's placed over the vulva or anus during oral sex. It acts as a barrier between the mouth and the genitals to reduce the risk of passing on STIs. The name comes from dentistry, where similar sheets are used during procedures — but in this context, it's all about safer sex.

• A dental dam is a barrier used during oral sex on the vulva or anus.
• It reduces the risk of STIs like herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HPV.
• You can buy them, get them free from some sexual health clinics, or make one by cutting open a condom.
• They're single-use — one dam per session, and don't flip it over.

[DIAGRAM: Diagram showing how a dental dam is used as a barrier during oral sex]

How to use one

Using a dental dam is straightforward:

1. Take it out of the packet and check for any tears or damage.
2. Place it flat over the vulva or anus before oral sex begins.
3. Hold it in place with your hands — it doesn't stick on its own.
4. Keep the same side facing the same direction the whole time. Don't flip it.
5. Use a new one if you switch between the vulva and anus, or if you take a break and start again.
6. Throw it away after use. Don't reuse it.

You can add a drop of water-based lube on the side that touches the body — it can improve sensation for the person receiving.

Where to get them

Dental dams can be harder to find than condoms. Some sexual health clinics have them for free, and they're available online and in some pharmacies. If you can't get hold of one, you can make a DIY version by cutting a condom lengthways to create a flat sheet — this works just as well.

The honest bit

Most people don't use dental dams. Surveys consistently show they're one of the least-used forms of protection. That doesn't mean they're pointless — the protection they offer is real. But it does mean you shouldn't feel weird if you haven't heard of them or if nobody you know uses them.

Knowing they exist, and knowing how to use or make one, means you have the option if you want it. STIs can be passed through oral sex (including herpes, which is very common), so there is a genuine reason to consider them — especially with new or casual partners.

Things people ask about dental dams

Do people actually use these?

Honestly, not many. But that doesn't mean they're not worth knowing about. If you want to reduce STI risk during oral sex, they're the best option available.

Can I just use cling film instead?

This gets mentioned a lot, but cling film hasn't been tested or approved as a barrier against STIs. A condom cut open is a better DIY option.

Does it reduce sensation?

It can change how things feel slightly, but modern dental dams are very thin. Adding lube on the body-facing side helps.

Where do I even get one?

Online is the easiest option. Some sexual health clinics stock them. Or cut a condom open — it's free and works well.

A dental dam is a thin, flat piece of material that goes over someone's private parts during oral sex. It sits between the mouth and the body and helps stop infections being passed from one person to another.

To use one, you lay it flat over the area before oral sex starts and hold it in place with your hands. You use one side only — don't flip it over. When you're done, you throw it away. You need a new one each time.

Dental dams can be harder to find than condoms. Some sexual health clinics have them for free, and you can buy them online. If you can't find one, you can cut a condom open lengthways to make a flat sheet. That works just as well.

Most people don't use dental dams, and that's honest. But they do help protect against infections like herpes that can be passed on through oral sex. Knowing they exist means you have the choice if you want it.