When it comes to having safe intimate relations , the mention of a condom is always on the top of our minds .Condoms being such a heavy subject as it protects against diseases and also prevents unwanted pregnancies.But have you ever heard of Dental Dams?
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The attitude toward these mythical sheets of latex seems to be that no one actually uses them — if they even exist at all. “A dental dam is simply a rectangular piece of latex that is used to cover the genitals so there is no direct mouth-to-genital or mouth-to-anus contact,” says Castellanos. To put it bluntly: “With a dental dam you can pretty much lick anything,” Hurst says.
You’re not falling for some universal practical joke, the name really does fit. “Originally, dental dams were created to protect the mouth when doing dental work on an isolated tooth. Those dams were flexible but quite thick, so thinner ones that would allow for greater sensation were created specifically for oral sex and oral-anal contact,” explains Castellanos. The consensus is that a dental dam, if used correctly, will protect you against the same viruses and bacteria that condoms protect you from. “It protects against STDs that can be transmitted orally. Infections like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes, HPV, hepatitis A and B, and syphilis,” says Hurst. Plus, it can also protect against HIV transmitted via oral sex.
“Because it forms a complete barrier, it protects against all of these infections if used properly,” Castellanos says. “Without barrier protection, any of the above viruses and bacteria could be spread through cunnilingus and/or oral–anal contact. Because of this, dams should be used carefully so they don’t slip out of place and then allow for accidental skin-to-skin contact or contact with any bodily fluids from either partner.”So as we head towards International Condom Day , lets also not overlook to protect ourselves in anyway possible when it comes to sexual matters.Tell a friend to tell another friend.