What does the science say about using cling film instead of a dental dam?

Planned Parenthood endorses the use of cling film in place of a dental dam - so what does the science say?

Stuck for a dental dam? Try cling film.  

Yep, Planned Parenthood actually endorses the use of plastic wrap for oral sex when you can’t get your hands on a dental dam.  

If you don’t know what a dental dam is, it’s a square piece of latex that can cover the vulva or the anus, and its purpose is to reduce the risk of spreading STIs during oral sex. Dental dams can stop the exchange of fluids, but they might not be effective at protecting against conditions that are passed through skin-to-skin contact, so things like HPV or herpes. It’s also important to know that a dental dam is not the same thing as a female condom, so they won’t protect against pregnancy.  

So, back to cling film – it's not just Planned Parenthood that supports the use of cling film in the place of a dental dam. The CDC and AIDS.gov both recommend using plastic wrap during rimming, but health organisations do recommend using non-microwaveable plastic wrap because the microwave-safe stuff has tiny pores in it to let out steam, which might also let viruses and bacteria through.  

At Sex in Space, we think this is a pretty genius idea, because it helps to keep you safe during oral sex, it still allows for lots of sensation, and no one has to know what you’re buying cling film for! You can pop into your local supermarket and buy a roll without a hint of embarrassment (not that there's anything embarrassing about buying dental dams and looking after your sexual health, but we get why buying cling film might feel more comfortable).  

Okay, so – is there any science to back this up?  

Healthline and Planned Parenthood both note that there aren’t any studies that prove cling film is an effective barrier method – but they do both say that it’s better than using nothing at all. You can also try making your own dental dam out of a condom by snipping the tip and the rolled ends and then cutting down the edge to fold it out into a dental dam shape.  

If you’re curious to learn more about dental dams and how they work, let us know in the comments!

TL;DR:

• Planned Parenthood, the CDC, and AIDS.gov recommend non-microwaveable plastic wrap as an alternative for safer oral sex.

• There are no studies that prove cling film is an effective barrier method, but it’s better than using nothing at all.