Dental dam - Definition and Overview

Dental dams [1] (http://www.blowfish.com/catalog/supplies/images/s-gly-1021.jpg) are essentially square sheets of latex used in dentistry, specifically endodontic treatment (root canals). They are also used during sexual activities as a safer sex technique.

When held over the vagina or anus, they protect a person performing oral sex on those body parts from potential harm from sexually transmitted diseases. A make-shift dental dam can also be created by slicing open a condom horizontally and spreading open the latex. A dental dam is used by females receiving oral sex; males should use a condom. Saran Wrap also works well as a dental dam, although other kitchen plastics are too porous to be effective.

External links

• Dental dam FAQ (http://www.goodvibes.com/cgi-bin/sgdynamo.exe?HTNAME=store/info/dams.html)
• How to use a Dental Dams (http://www.barnard.edu/health/dentaldams.htm)
• Dental dam image and description (http://www.stanleygomez.com/dams.html)