What is oral sex?

Oral sex is when someone stimulates the genitals of another person with their mouth. It is important to practise safe oral sex to help prevent catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

How is mouth care linked with oral sex?

Oral sex is a common way that STIs are passed on. Examples of STIs that you can catch through oral sex include:

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

Why is it important to practice good mouth care?

Good mouth care helps your general health and also lowers your chances of passing STIs such as HIV.

Here are some tips on how to look after your mouth:

• Try to avoid or limit the amount of sugary foods and drinks that you have. Have them as an occasional (not daily) treat.
• Make sure you 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.
• If you wear dentures, make sure you clean them properly and that the skin under the dentures is also clean. Rinse your mouth out regularly.
• Smoking can also encourage oral infections. If you smoke, try to cut down or quit smoking.
• It's important to visit your dentist at least once a year. You should have your teeth cleaned regularly by a hygienist.
• Avoid oral sex if you have sores or ulcers in your mouth or around your lips.

How can I prevent STIs?

You can reduce the risk of catching STIs during oral sex by making sure that your partner wears a condom or a dental dam. You can also have regular STI checks.

A dental dam is a thin piece of latex that can prevent the spread of infection during oral sex. It can be placed over the vagina or anus before giving oral sex. It forms a barrier that can stop body fluids passing between people and lowers your risk of getting a STI.

If you give oral sex, make sure you don't have sores, wounds, gum disease, ulcers, cuts, herpes or infections in your mouth. It's important to make sure your mouth and gums are in good condition before you give oral sex.

Another way of reducing the risk of an STI is by not allowing your partner to ejaculate ('come') into your mouth.

When should I see a doctor?

You should see your doctor if:

• you develop mouth sores after giving oral sex
• you think that you may have a STI

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

Resources and support

If you have questions, you can call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.

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

Play safe has information on safe sex, STIs and where you can get an STI check up.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet has sexual health information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

The NSW Government has information on safe sex and how to avoid STI and HIV in other languages.