Learning About Dental Dams

A dental dam is a thin piece of latex that is used to cover the anus or vulva for oral sex. It lowers the risk to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by stopping body fluids from passing between partners. Dental dams do not prevent pregnancy.

How do I use a dental dam?

You can buy a dental dam at some pharmacies and specialty shops.

Use a new dental dam for each act of sex.

To increase feeling and help the dental dam stay in place, use lubricant (lube) on the side that touches the vulva or anus. Use water-based or silicone lube, as oil-based lube can break down latex dental dams or condoms.

Lay the dental dam flat over the entire vulva or anus.

Hold the dental dam in place. Don't stretch it or let it flip over. Consider marking one side so you know which side your mouth goes on.

Throw the dental dam in the garbage after use. Don't flush it down the toilet.

How can I make a dental dam?

If you don't have a dental dam, you can make a dental dam out of a condom. To make a dam you need a new condom and a pair of scissors.

Check the condom expiry date and check that the package doesn't have any holes. Get a new condom if it's expired or the package is damaged.

	Carefully open the condom package.
	While the condom is still rolled up, cut the tip off.
	Keep the condom rolled and put the scissors through the middle and cut through one side of the ring.
	Unroll the condom. You now have a rectangular piece of material to spread over the vulva or anus to act as a barrier.

What else is important to know about consent, sexual activity, and birth control?

• You have the right to decide to have sex or not. Talk with your partner(s) about consent.
• There is an 85% chance of becoming pregnant within one year if no birth control is used for vaginal sex.
• Use a condom every time you have sex (oral, vaginal, anal). Condoms help prevent pregnancy, STIs and HIV.
• You can lower your risk of HIV by taking HIV prevention medicine, called PrEP, every day. Many Albertans can get it for free.
• Transgender and gender-diverse people who have a uterus can use hormonal birth control. It can help prevent pregnancy and make periods lighter and less painful.

Where can I find more information?

If you have questions, need to find a sexual health clinic near you, or want more information, call Health Link at 811 anytime, day or night, to talk to a registered nurse.

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_dental_dams_inst.

Related to Sexual and Reproductive Health

• Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Sex & U
• Ready Or Not Alberta: STIs and Safer Sex Practices
• Teaching Sexual Health

Current as of: August 20, 2024

Author: Sexual and Reproductive Health, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.