Dental dams 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.