What exactly is a dental dam? I know it's for use during oral sex, but is it for men, women, or both?


A dental dam is a piece of thin stretching latex. It comes in different sizes, shapes, and bright colors, but is generally intended for use in dental procedures to isolate a single tooth. Later, its' function evolved and it came to be used to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids during oral sex and thus the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. The dental dam is stretched over either the anal or vaginal area and held there by the person (male or female) performing oral sex. If you want to see what a dental dam looks and feels like, pick one up at the Well-Woman office (they're free).

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