Oral safety essentials: using dental dams and condoms effectively

Curious about how to enhance safety during oral sex without sacrificing pleasure or intimacy? Our article guides you step by step on using dental dams and condoms as effective barriers against sexually transmitted infections. Learn how to choose and use these protections correctly, turn a condom into a dam, and adopt the right habits for safe, fulfilling experiences. Whether you are discovering these methods for the first time or just need a refresher, Climax™ explains everything you need to know to protect yourself and your partner, simply and confidently.

How to Use Dental Dams and Condoms for Oral Safety

Using dental dams and condoms during oral sex is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while still enjoying pleasure and intimacy. These barrier methods help limit contact with bodily fluids and mucous membranes, which is where most oral STIs are transmitted.

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Why Oral Barriers Matter

• Oral sex can transmit infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV, even when there is no ejaculation.

• Dental dams and condoms create a barrier between the mouth and genitals or anus, limiting exposure to fluids and microscopic skin lesions.

• Consistent and correct use of these barriers significantly lowers, though does not completely eliminate, STI risk.

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What Dental Dams and Condoms Are

• A dental dam is a thin, flexible sheet of latex or polyurethane used during oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex.

​- External (penis) condoms are thin latex or non-latex sheaths that roll over an erect penis and can be used for oral-penile contact.

​- If dental dams are not available, a non-lubricated condom can be cut into a flat sheet and used as a dam.

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How to Use a Dental Dam Step by Step

1- Check the package :

• Make sure the dam is latex or polyurethane, unopened, and not expired.

• Inspect for obvious tears or defects before use.

2- Prep the area and dam

• Optionally apply a small amount of water-based or silicone-based lubricant on the side of the dam that will contact the vulva or anus to increase sensation and reduce friction.

​- Do not use oil-based products (like coconut oil or lotions) with latex, as they can weaken the material.

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3- Position the dam

• Gently open the wrapper, avoiding sharp nails or jewelry.

​- Lay the dam flat over the vulva or anus, making sure it fully covers the area where your mouth will touch.

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4 - During oral sex

• Hold the dam in place with your hands, keeping it taut so it does not slip or bunch.

• Do not flip it over or move it from one area to another, as this can transfer fluids from one surface to another.

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5- After oral sex

• Remove the dam carefully, keeping any fluids folded inward.

• Throw it away in the trash—never reuse or wash a dental dam.

How to Turn a Condom into a Dental Dam

When dental dams are hard to find, a flat barrier can be made from a condom.

1- Choose the right condom

• Use a new, latex or polyurethane condom without spermicidal lubricant if possible, as spermicide can irritate oral tissues.

• Avoid flavored products for vaginal use unless clearly labeled safe for both oral and genital contact. Some flavors are designed specifically for oral-penile use.

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2- Cut the condom

• Unroll the condom completely.

• Use clean scissors to cut off the tip.

• Cut lengthwise along one side of the condom to open it into a rectangular sheet.

3- Use it like a dam

• Place the flat sheet over the vulva or anus as you would a manufactured dental dam.

• Apply water-based lubricant if desired to the side that touches the body, then hold in place during oral sex.

Safety Dos and Don’ts for Oral Barriers

• Do use a new dental dam or condom every time you have oral sex, from start to finish.

• Do store barriers in a cool, dry place away from heat and friction, such as wallets and cars.

​- Do combine barriers with regular STI testing and open communication about sexual history.

​- Don’t stretch, reuse, or flip dental dams or condoms; this increases the risk of tears and cross-contamination.

​- Don’t use two condoms at once (double-bagging) or layer a dam over a condom, as friction can cause breakage.

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(sources)

Cleveland Clinic. “What Is a Dental Dam & How to Use It.” 2025.

WebMD. “Dental Dam: How to Use It.” 2024. ​​​

UNC Campus Health. “Making Dental Dams out of Condoms.” 2025.