What is oral sex?

Oral sex is when someone stimulates the genitals (sex organs) of another person with their mouth. Practising safe oral sex can help prevent catching or passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Read more about the female and male reproductive systems.

How are oral sex and mouth care connected?

Oral sex and mouth care are linked because STIs can be passed on through oral sex.

STIs that can spread through oral sex include:

• chlamydia
• gonorrhoea
• herpes
• genital warts (human papillomavirus (HPV))
• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• syphilis

Why is good mouth care important?

Practising good mouth care helps keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy. It also lowers your chance of passing on or catching STIs.

Here are some mouth care tips:

• Avoid or limit sugary foods and drinks. Have them only as an occasional treat.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to lower the build-up of bacteria in your mouth. Gently brush your gums and tongue as well. Don't brush right before or after oral sex as brushing can cause tiny cuts in your mouth.
• If you wear dentures, clean them well. Also clean the skin under them. Rinse your mouth regularly.
• Avoid oral sex if you have sores or ulcers in your mouth or around your lips.
• Try to cut down or quit smoking as it can lead to mouth infections.
• Visit your dentist at least once a year for a check-up and clean.

When should I see a doctor?

See your doctor if you:

• get mouth sores after giving oral sex
• think you might have an STI
• have symptoms that worry you

You can also visit a family planning clinic or sexual health clinic in your area.

Can sexually transmitted infections be prevented?

You can lower your chance of passing on STIs during oral sex by:

• using a condom or a dental dam
• getting regular STI checks
• checking your mouth and gums before oral sex — don't give oral sex if you have sores, wounds, gum disease, ulcers, cuts, herpes or an infections in your mouth
• avoiding ejaculation ('coming') in the mouth

A dental dam is a thin piece of latex placed over the vagina or anus. It forms a barrier that helps block the exchange of body fluids and lowers your chance of catching or spreading an STI.

Resources and support

• NSW Health has information on sexual health. You can also call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.
• Play Safe has advice on safe sex, STIs and where to get an STI check-up.
• Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia provides sexual and reproductive healthcare services.
• The Australian Dental Association offers information on how to care for your teeth and mouth.
• Women with Disabilities Australia has an easy read fact sheet on sexually transmitted infection screening.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

• The Australian Government has STI factsheets and videos in many languages.
• The Australian Dental Association provides mouth and teeth care resources in many languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Better to Know — STI and partner notification information.
• Us Mob and HIV — information on HIV.
• Mob Smiles — mouth care resources.
• Young Deadly Free — STI information for young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.