Oral sex with menthol drop

Dear Tickler,

As long as you both adhere to the credo of "safe, sane, and consensual," there is nothing abnormal or wrong with a little sexual experimentation. Menthol can be a great way to spice things up, but it's recommended that it be handled with care. The clitoris has a higher concentration of nerve endings than any other part of the human body — twice as much as the head of the penis. So, too much menthol on a clitoris can create an uncomfortable burning sensation.

Menthol chemically triggers the cold–sensitive receptors in the skin, creating that spicy but cooling sensation when eaten, applied to the skin, or inhaled. It is commonly found in head–cold relief products (like Vicks vapor rub), topical muscle relaxants, and strong mints. Menthol or similar chemicals can be found in toothpaste and mouthwash, too. Some sexual lubricants and massage oils also have menthol or similar substances.

If you want to mix it up with menthol, going gradually is key. Start by brushing your teeth before sex. (Note: If you're not using barriers when you have oral sex, it's good to know that that brushing your teeth right before sex can create micro-tears in your mouth and make you more susceptible to getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). To reduce your risk and the risk to your partner, it's good for both of you to have been tested for STIs and to share your results). Once you've given your teeth a good scrub, see how she likes the sensation. If you get a thumbs up, try graduating to using mouth wash right before you have a go with oral sex the next time. This will likely create a noticeably stronger sensation. And if this goes over well and she would like a stronger sensation, you can try a mint or cough drop while performing cunnilingus.

If you go the cough drop or mint route, make sure to choose a low-sugar menthol product. Sugar can cause yeast infections, which may not make the menthol fun worth it. If you'd like to try a bit of minty cunnilingus fun while also using barriers, grab some clear plastic wrap or a dental dam and some menthol–infused lube. Just make sure if you're using a latex barrier, that the lube is water or silicone–based, and not oil–based. Then, put a small amount of lube on the clit side of the dam or plastic. If it's feeling good, you can gradually add more.

Kudos to you for wanting to keep things minty-fresh in the bedroom!