Dear Amanda84,

Dental dams are squares pieces of latex, which is similar to the material condoms are made from. They were originally designed for dental patients to keep fragments of materials from falling into the throat during certain procedures. They have also been used to cover the vulva or anus during oral sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. A popular brand intended for use in oral sex is the Glyde dam.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.