Dental dams

Dental dams are small, thin, square pieces of latex that are used for during oral sex involving contact between the mouth and the vulva, or the mouth and the anus. They come in a variety of sizes and flavours.

People sometimes use them to help prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They can also be used for general hygiene purposes, or if someone is uncomfortable with direct mouth to genital/anal contact.

1. Ensure that the dam is in date and has a European CE mark or UKCA mark.
2. Wet the vulva or anal area with a water-based lubricant to ensure that the dam doesn’t slip off.
3. Place the dam over the vulva or anus before any mouth to genital/anal contact.
4. Hold the dam in place. Either the person giving or receiving oral sex can do this.
5. Don’t turn the dam over. Make sure the side in contact with the genitals stays on that side.
6. Only use each dental dam once. Use a new dam each time you have oral sex.
7. Wrap in tissue and dispose of it in a bin, not down the toilet, as this will block it.

You can make your own dams from condoms, by rolling the condom out, cutting off the tip and the ring, and then along its length to create a rectangle.

You may be able to get dental dams at some GUM and sexual health clinics, contraception clinics, pharmacies and online.

Page last updated: July 2024