Dental dams assist in stopping the spread of underlying STI’s and STD’s when oral sex is performed on anyone with a vagina or internal reproductive system. Whether this be between a ‘woman’ and another ‘woman’, a ‘woman’ and a ‘man’, someone identifying as outside these gender binaries, etc.

Dental dams are currently only found at adult stores, online specialty stores and Amazon etc. This not only makes it difficult for people to obtain dental dams, it is also counterproductive in the promotion of “safe sex”. Essential grocery stores and pharmacies that already provide sexual health options such as “traditional condoms” and lubricants should be stocking dental dams as well. 

I personally, as a female identifying queer person, do not feel comfortable purchasing dental dams online as I am not 100% confident about the product I am purchasing. There is also a somewhat significant wait to receive these products, a time where most people would proceed to perform oral sex without using any protection (dental dam). By having dental dams stocked in major supermarkets and pharmacies, they become more readily accessible for those looking to purchase them. Having them stocked in sexual health sections in supermarkets and pharmacies will also help raise awareness of the product as well as the benefits of using them. Therefore, I think having major supermarkets and pharmacies that stock sexual health products should be stocking dental dams.