A dental dam is a device used by dentists to maintain a sterile work area while filling teeth. It can also be used as a safer sex tool during oral sex to prevent the transmission of STDs. The device is usually made of latex and comes in a small square or roll. It should be discarded after one use. When used for safer sex, it should only be used on one area of the body and never turned inside out. makeshift dams can be made with condoms and gloves.
A dental dam is a medical device used by dentists to maintain a sterile work area while drilling and filling teeth. Safe sex advocates have also embraced the dental dam, because when used correctly during oral sex, it can prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STDs). When used as a safer sex tool, the device is sometimes called an oral dam, but the material used and the basic design are the same. Many companies produce both types, selling them with different packages depending on the reference market.
A dental dam is usually made from latex, although latex-free varieties are available for people with latex allergies. Usually, the device comes in the form of a small square of material, although some dental supply companies sell the latex in rolls, so your dentist can cut a piece to the appropriate size. The device is designed to be single use and is usually packaged in sterile material. After one use, the dam should be discarded.
In dental procedures, a dental dam is used to isolate the tooth or area of the mouth that is being worked on, especially when that tooth is exposed because it has been drilled or the dentist is performing a root canal. Using this device ensures that the sensitive tooth is not exposed to oral bacteria, provides a clean workspace for the dentist and reduces the risk of painful infections. The rubber dam can be secured in the mouth with bands and clips, and while it can be uncomfortable for the patient, it is an excellent dental safety measure, especially when combined with gloves and other barrier methods in the dental room.
When used for safer sex, a dental dam should only be used on one area of the body before being discarded, and should never be turned inside out, as this could result in the exchange of body fluids. Use of the device can also be combined with lubricants to heighten sensation, and some companies make flavored dams to encourage people to use them. Makeshift dams can also be made with condoms and gloves, but if the gloves are coated with talc, the talc should be rinsed off before use, as it will irritate the mucous membranes. Dental dams are readily available at many pharmacies, and some public health departments also stock them at low cost.
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