A Queerlips Guide to Dental Dams

Despite being an effective STI transmission prevention strategy, dental dams remain massively underused due to poor sex education and zero visibility in mainstream media. Time to change that!

What Even Is a Dental Dam?

Think of it as a protective blanket for wherever you’re planning to employ your tongue technology.

A dental dam is a flexible barrier that sits between your mouth and your partner’s body – perfect for cunnilingus or rimming. Just like a condom, it helps prevent STIs that spread through skin-to-skin and fluid contact, like syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, etc.

Fun fact: They were originally created for dental work (hence the name).

Who Can Use Dental Dams?

LITERALLY ANYONE!

Not just for cis women or queer couples – anyone giving or receiving oral sex can benefit, regardless of gender. They’re especially useful if you have multiple sexual partners or want an extra layer of safety.

Where can I buy Dental Dams?

You can buy these at pharmacies, and online options include Amazon (even flavoured ones are available here).

How to Use These Like a Pro

For after party cleanup:

• Use once, toss it – these aren’t reusable
• Wash your hands before and after
• New dam for new activities when switching things up!

Can’t I Just Use a Condom Instead?

Short answer: YES! This DIY hack is common in sex-positive communities.

1. Take out a new latex condom (never used!)
2. Unroll it
3. Cut off the tip with scissors
4. After the tip is off, use scissors to cut off the base ring too
5. Slice down one side to create a rectangle
6. Use the flat sheet over the area

Pro Tips from Your Queerlips

• Always check the expiry date before using
• Flavoured dams can be fun (though unflavored works just fine)
• Incorporate it into foreplay – let your partner put it in place
• Buy in bulk – they’re cheaper, and you’ll always have them ready
• Keep them accessible – bedside drawer, not buried in the closet
• Practice first – get comfortable with how they feel and work

Most important: Communication with your partner about boundaries, testing, and preferences is key.

The Bottom Line

Dental dams are just another tool in your safer sex toolkit! Like any protection method, they work best when used consistently and correctly.

Sources : 

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/22887-dental-dam
• https://www.cdc.gov/condom-use/resources/dental-dam.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/Dental-dam-use.html
• Image from playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au

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Got more questions? Queerlips is here to help with all your sexual health queries – because everyone deserves access to judgment-free, accurate information about safer sex.