Ok this isn’t directly non-monogamy related but I do see discussion on STI safety practices here a fair amount.

I used a dental dam for the first time recently with one of my partners. I occasionally get oral cold sores and will abstain from kissing or giving oral if I think one might be coming on, just to be safe. My FWB said she had some dental dams we could use if I was curious to try one on her.

I’ve never used barriers for oral sex before. I had never even seen a dental dam and assumed they would be cumbersome and unpleasant to use. I confess that I’ve had the thought “what is the point” of oral sex with barriers. I hate the way most condoms smell so I was pleasantly surprised at how neutral the dental dam was from a sensory perspective (smell, taste, feel). It was actually a bit of a plus for my partner as she prefers sensations that are less wet. The overall experience was super hot.

Most of the time I’m comfortable with the risk levels of unprotected oral and particularly so with AFAB partners, but I’m glad to know that dental dams are a decent option too.