Glossary
Dental dam
The barrier method for exactly the act a condom does not fit.
What is a dental dam?
A dental dam is a thin sheet of latex you lay over the vulva or the anus during oral sex, so mouth and mucous membrane do not come into direct contact. The Dutch name is beflapje. It is the barrier method for the act a condom does not fit, and it blocks contact with vaginal fluid, blood, and mucous membrane.
| Also known as | beflapje (the Dutch name); a barrier method |
| Used for | oral sex on a vulva (cunnilingus) or on the anus |
| Material | thin latex, or polyurethane for a latex allergy |
| Blocks | contact with vaginal fluid, blood, and mucous membrane |
How a dental dam works
The idea is simple. You lay the sheet flat over the vulva or the anus and hold it in place, so your tongue touches the latex and not the skin underneath. One side stays facing the mouth and the other toward the body. So you do not flip it over during play.
It does not take much to make it work, but there are a few things not to do.
Why people use a dental dam
Oral sex feels innocent, but it is not risk-free. A number of STIs pass along fine through the mouth, and for that route there is no condom that fits. That is exactly where the dental dam fills the gap: it is the only real barrier for oral sex on a vulva or anus.
Still it often gets skipped, usually simply because people do not have one at home. That is a shame, because it takes away less of the sensation than most people expect. With a thin layer and some lubricant underneath, the warmth and the pressure stay well within reach. It is more a matter of getting used to it than a sacrifice.
What to watch for
- Use it only once and grab a new one if you switch spots. Do not flip it, do not reuse it.
- Put water-based lubricant on the side that touches the body. That makes it nicer and keeps the latex intact; oil breaks it down.
- Choose polyurethane for a latex allergy. Then it works just as well without the allergic reaction.
- Lay it ready before you begin. A dental dam that only appears halfway through has already missed the first contact.
More reading on the dental dam
Where the dental dam fits into the whole of protection is on the page about safer sex and with the barrier method.
Sources
- Hoe zorg ik dat ik geen soa krijg? Thuisarts.nl, NHG. Names the dental dam alongside the condom as protection during sex and warns against fat- or oil-based lubricant.
- Beflapje. Wikipedia. Describes the dental dam as a physical barrier against the exchange of body fluid during oral sex on the vulva or the anus.
Related terms
- Glossary. The dental dam is one of the barrier methods; the others are spread through the same list.
- Barrier method. The collective name for condom, dental dam, glove, and finger cot.
- Safer sex. The broader habit the dental dam is the tool of.
- Cunnilingus. The act the dental dam is used for most often.
Frequently asked questions
What people still ask about the dental dam.
What is a dental dam?
A dental dam is a thin sheet of latex you lay over the vulva or the anus during oral sex, so mouth and mucous membrane do not come into direct contact. The Dutch name is beflapje. It is the barrier method for the act a condom does not fit.
How do you use a dental dam?
Who can you turn to with questions about the dental dam?
For your personal risk or an STI test you go to your family doctor or the GGD, the local public health service. Want to know how I handle protection during a date? I am Victor, gigolo, and it is a given part of what I do when it comes to vaginal and anal penetration; going down is without, and I expect you to be clean and healthy, free of STIs. You can reach me with no obligation through the contact form or first chat for free.
Learn more
Still have questions about the dental dam?
I am Victor, gigolo. Going down on you I do without a dam, which is nicer for both of us. I do expect you to be clean and healthy, free of STIs. Want to know how I handle protection, or just ask something? Send me a message, I will text you back whenever suits you.