The dental dam

[moderatorII]

The following information is provided at the request of a Board Member. It will be incorporated into the Oral Sex and STD's sections of this web-site.

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]The Dental Dam

What is a dental dam?

A dental dam is basically a small sheet of latex which acts as a barrier between the vagina or anus and the mouth. Dental dams get their name because they are used during dental surgery such as root canals. Due to the possible infectious secretions from both the vagina and anus, the dental dam is becoming a more popular safer sex tool. With the introduction of different colors, shapes and sizes, manufacturers are adding some exciting changes to what once was sterile translucent-white latex.

How effective are dental dams?

Dental dams are an extremely effective means of preventing infection from vaginal or anal secretions. There is little data available on rates of infection after use of the dental dam. There are a few important concerns which may reduce the effectiveness of the barrier. Before you use the dam, lightly rinse it off with warm water. Dry with a towel. Then check to be sure the dam is free of holes or breakage. You can check the dam before you use it by holding it up to light or seeing if water is able to pass through it. Finally, ensure that only one side of the dam comes in contact with the genitals, and that the dam is used only once. Otherwise you are defeating the whole purpose of using the dam in the first place.

Only use water based lubricants (such as Astroglide) when using dental dams.

How do you use dental dams?

Dental dams are not the most difficult piece of protection to use. Some people prefer that the person performing oral sex should hold the dam so that the receiver can just sit back and relax. Others think that the receiver should hold the dam so the other partner has his/her hands free for other stimulation. As an alternative, some dental dams are now made with an adhesive strip which will hold the dam in place. Remember to use some water based lubricant on the vagina or anus beforehand to increase the amount of stimulation received.

Practical concerns with dental dams

People often approach dental dams with the fear that the normally intense stimulation of the tongue will be lessened by the sheet of latex. The feeling of a dental dam is different than the feeling of a tongue but it does not necessarily make it a bad thing. Use plenty of water based lubricant and one partner can play with the latex in his/her mouth to provide their partner with a new type of stimulation. The use of a dam is up to you. Oral sex is considered to be less dangerous a practice than intercourse, and fellatio is often less dangerous than oral-anal sex. The level of protection you decide to use is your choice, but the safest sex dictates you use a dental dam at all times.

[Guido]

Just reflecting - it's a terrible shame that such a wonderful thing as the sexual experience has so many necessary "conditions" attached to it to be enjoyed safely!

If things carry on at this rate, before long we'll be having to use latex gloves, face-masks and forceps just to masturbate! ...

LOL - I just realized - I probably just described someone's ultimate fantasy!

[Brandye]

Heavens, Guido, you forgot latex allergies! You will need the polyurethan gloves!

[hereandnow]

Hey guys - you are getting me horny with all that erotic imagery, lol.

For extra safety, how about only masturbating when you are in a different room from your penis/vagina!?

OR - only masturbate with someone else's hand!?

Can anyone think of any other wacky ways to be TOTALLY safe during sex??

[sexyone]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (hereandnow @ Feb. 06 2003,12:06)]Can anyone think of any other wacky ways to be TOTALLY safe during sex?? *

wrap all body parts in plastic first

[ItalStall]

Oral sex only to be attempted wearing full scuba gear!

Anal sex only to be attempted on oneself - only gymnasts and long, bendy penises need apply! * Ladies have to use the plastic variety!

Vaginal sex only to be attempted with necessary precautions - tweezers & gladwrap for the penis, shoe-horn and baby-bottle inserts for the vagina. No other body contact within eight inches of each other - sorry, but this is where the littler guy definitely loses out! *

[hereandnow]

Has anyone ever actually tried using a dental dam for oral sex? If so, what was it like?

[girlygirl]

I hate to admit it, but you do lose a small amount of sensation. They are about as thick as condoms, and therefore transmit heat and texture about as well. Still, I'd rather have slightly less rough oral sex than get herpes. Or give it to someone else.

[yippi]

What about for the person giving oral? How does that feel?

[hereandnow]

i guess i would use one if the girl asked me to, but i can't imagine "gumming away" at a piece of latex! ... how totally unsexy!

personally, it would do nothing for me; i'd rather find something else to do (like eat Saranwrap - lol).