A gag is any device that opens the mouth and keeps the jaw open. It includes straps tied around the head to keep it in place. Some gags fill the mouth, muffling any sound from the wearer. Others keep the jaw open but keep access to the tongue, mouth and throat available for inspection, insertion and other types of play! With all gags, because the mouth is open and the jaws are separated, drool collects and spills out of the mouth and lips. For many, this is part of the appeal.

Open mouth gags were originally used as medical devices by surgeons, dentists and physicians. They kept the mouth open for inspection and medical procedures. Most of these gags were made out of metal devices that cranked open the mouth so the patient could not close their mouth on the surgeon’s or doctor’s hand or tools. People buy these devices now for realistic and authentic medical fetish play. At doctor’s offices, some people enjoy the feeling of being opened up and exposed for inspection and invasive surgery and procedures. For these people, an open mouth gag is a turn on and playing out that fantasy is part of a medical fetish.

Mouth gags that imitate a horse harness include a bit; this is the part that goes in the horse’s mouth, keeps the harness on and is used to control their head (and thus the direction the horse is heading). Horse bits are usually steel, but bit gags are generally a thick, horizontal piece of leather or silicone that the submissive can bite down on. They don’t have to keep their mouth open very wide and can wear it for longer periods of time. People who enjoy pony play enjoy wearing bit gags as part of their roleplay and as a tool for control. Similarly, people who enjoy puppy play will sometimes use a gag that has a dog bone or dog toy in the mouth, instead of a horse bit.

There are also unique gags that focus on the submissive being in a place of service, being sexually objectified, humiliated or degraded. There are gags that have an ashtray attached to them so the submissive is no more than a piece of furniture, objectified to the point of being compared to an actual inanimate object. There are forniphilic (penis-like) gags where a dildo is sticking out of the mouth so someone else can use them for their own pleasure; this is another example of where a submissive doesn’t get any stimulation or penetration and is sexually objectified. In these situations, there is a degree of humiliation and degradation as well.

Overall, people enjoy gags because it is giving up power to another person, willingly. In the past, gags were used on prisoners and those who were captured or kidnapped to quiet their screams or protests. Those people had their power and their voice taken from them forcefully. In many movies, captives are taken prisoner in action movies and dramas and every good kidnapping scene involves muffling their screams at some point and gagging them.

In BDSM, this is all consensual and discussed beforehand. The gag comes off when the submissive needs it to. Everyone gets to play with their edges safely.

Even if someone doesn’t think of themselves as kinky, a basic mouth gag can be fun and easy to experiment with! With so many options to choose from, there’s an appealing version for everyone.

• Loss of Control People enjoy the feeling of helplessness that being restrained creates. It’s a power play and the submissive wants their power (consensually) taken away. Mouth gags are basically considered mouth bondage or a mouth restraint, and wearing one can be a form of humiliation as well as punishment.
• Muffling the Moans The sound of someone’s muffled moans is highly erotic to some people. For others, it has a practical purpose of allowing the submissive to let loose and not hold back without the neighbors hearing!
• Roleplay Playing with power dynamics usually involves some kind of roleplay. Maybe the one gagged has been kidnapped, or is under interrogation. Maybe they are a personal sex slave for their Dom’s pleasure. Alternatively, when people indulge in medical fetish scenes, using authentic medical mouth gags are part of keeping up the role and living out a fantasy without breaking character!
• Drool Wearing a gag limits ability to swallow spit and causes the wearer to drool. Some people enjoy spit and fetishize it. Gags produce a lot of spit and can add to that arousal. The wet, lubricated mouth read to be penetrated after the gag comes off is a big turn on for many. The uncontrollable drool is also part of losing control and feeds into the power dynamic in Dominant and submissive scenes.
• Tease and Denial For those wearing gags paired with a chastity device or restraints, a gag becomes another way of teasing and denying them. They cannot be penetrated via their ass or pussy, so the only hole left is their mouth. After taking that away, they will feel utterly helpless.
• Quiet the Mind Some submissives have a lot of nervous energy, talk back a lot or are brats, or generally have a busy mind and a busy mouth. They want to relax, but they find it difficult to get quiet enough to stop talking and filling the space with words. By putting a gag on them, they no longer feel responsible for having to speak and this can help relax them and put them in a submissive and receptive state. Because they cannot talk, the also start to focus more on physical sensations rather than speech which can make the session more erotic.

• Ball Gags Traditional mouth gags that fill the mouth and keep them from making noise. Most have a ball that their teeth close over, keeping their jaw open. Unique ball gags have add-ons like dildos or ash-trays for the purpose of being in service to their Master or Dom.
• Open Mouth Gags These gags, sometimes called O Ring Gags, open the mouth wide and keep it open. This increases air flow and lowers risk of choking. Insert a cock or toy into the mouth and they won’t be able to close their mouth. Enjoy the steady drool that drips from their open lips.
• Unique and Inflatable Gags Inflatable gags are similar to ball gags except the part that goes inside the mouth uses a hand pump to inflate so users can find the perfect size for their jaw. Other unique gags include dog-bone gags for puppy play, leather gags to bite down on, and penis gags so a partner can fuck the mouth of the one who is gagged and ride their face. There are also lip gags, which are great for blowjobs! They keep the mouth open but protect the cock from teeth.
• Penis Gags These gags, also referred to as forniphilic gags, strap on to the face and either have a penis facing outwards toward a partner or inwards into the gagged person’s mouth. The wearer can get fucked while also experiencing getting deepthroated. Gags also have smaller dildo sizes so they don’t choke on the dildo, but still have the feeling of a dick they can’t get out of their mouth. Additionally, people use them for degradation and humiliation. For gags with the penis on the outside, people can fuck their sumbissive’s face and ride them!
• Pony Bit Gags These gags are specifically for pony play, but they are great for those who don’t want the size and shape of a ball in their mouth. They are horizontal and wide, so it’s easy to close the teeth around them but still be gagged. This can be much more comfortable for the jaw and results in being able to wear it for a longer duration than a ball gag. Bit gags mimic a horse bit (the part the horse bites down on) from a horse’s bridle. Some include ‘reigns’ that serve as nipple clamps.
• Medical Gags These gags are replicas or imitations of actual medical gags used in surgery or a doctor’s office. For more information on medical play check out our Guide to Medical Devices!

Silicone:

• Most preferred material used for sex toys
• Longer shelf life than most materials
• Easily cleaned before and after use
• Can retain heat and cold for long periods of time so it can warm to your body temperature
• Hypoallergenic and non-porous

To Clean: Wash with an antibacterial soap and warm water. Wipe clean with a soft cloth. For serious cleaning, boil the toy for 5-10 minutes and then wash with an antibacterial soap.

Safety: Do not use with silicone-based lube.

Rubber

• More affordable than silicone, great for beginners
• More porous than silicone, harder to keep clean
• Can’t easily be disinfected

To Clean: Rubber is very porous and the chemical composition of each brand varies. Some rubber products contain phthalates which can be harmful to your health. Wash with mild soap and warm water and let air dry. Keep in a cool, dark place once dry.

Leather

• Sexy and a classic
• Durable
• Can stretch and soften after multiple uses for a custom fit
• Porous; harder to keep clean.
• Needs to be washed/cleaned after every exposure with bodily fluids

To Clean: Wipe clean with warm water and mild soap. Let product air dry. Optional: Moisturize with saddle soap and mink oil.

PU (polyurethane) Leather & Leatherette

• Vegan, imitation leather
• Less porous than leather; easier to clean

To Clean:

• PU leather can be washed and dry-cleaned.
• Leatherette and PU leather can be wiped down with mild soap and water, then air dried.

Steel

• Non-porous, phthalate-free, body safe & easy to clean
• Durable and long-lasting
• Compatible with any lube

To Clean: Use warm water and soap to get initial dirt and debris off. Do disinfect, soak or boil in a solution of 10% bleach to 90% water for 10 minutes, then place in the dishwasher.

Metal: Zinc alloy, Copper, Stainless Steel, Aluminum: These are a few of the most common metals used in toys and equipment. Read the product description for more information on which specific metal is used.

To Clean: Can be boiled, or disinfected with medical grade body-safe disinfectants.

ABS Plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene): A thermoplastic polymer that has a low melting point (can easily be melted and molded into different shapes).

To Clean: Use warm water and mild soap and wipe with a soft, cotton cloth.

Safety: Prolonged use and exposure to chemicals (used in cleaning or disinfecting) can cause the plastic to crack or become more porous. Replace these items more regularly than silicone or metal. Keep out of extreme heat or the plastic can become misshapen.

Polypropylene: A type of plastic commonly used to make bottle caps, bottles, fittings and other shapes.

To Clean: Wash with warm water and mild soap.

Safety: Use a soft cotton cloth on the material to avoid scratches.

Polycarbonate (PC) Plastic

• A versatile thermoplastic that is easily molded and multi-colored
• Similar in transparency to glass
• Stronger than conventional plastic

To Clean: Wash with mold soap and lukewarm water using a damp sponge or soft cloth to avoid scratching. Do not scrub or apply heavy pressure. Rinse water often and blot dry with soft cloth or chamois.

There are many mouth gag options and we recommend browsing our categories to find one that excites you! However, the top selling items below are the most popular and a great way to get started with mouth gags!

Silicone Ball Gag with Rose Give your sub a rose that will never wilt with this beautiful, rose mouth gag. Great for beginners.

Interchangeable Silicone Ball Gag Set Not sure what size is right for their mouth? Try three different sizes with this set!

Silicone Ball Gag with Leather Strap Classic ball gag with a silicone ball that is comfortable for the jaw and teeth. Watch them drool and muffle their moans with this classic mouth bondage device.

Blindfold Harness and Ball Gag Play with sensory deprivation a little as you take away their sight and limit the sounds they can utter. This product is a gag and blindfold all in one. Made with PU leather so it’s easy to clean!

Open Mouth Ring Gag Your sub won’t be able to speak, but their mouth will remain open for their tongue to lick you, or for you to insert anything you desire into their mouth and keep them from biting down. Made with premium leather, it’s comfortable on the teeth and has a classic bondage look.

The Deep Throat Gag Enjoy gagging them but want to keep the option to shove a cock down their mouth open, as well? This is the perfect combo. They’ll be drooling and moaning with each thrust!

For beginners, use an open mouth gag or a breathable gag.
Ball gags limit the user’s ability to breathe since their mouth is blocked and the only remaining holes for air are the nostrils. If someone’s sinuses get clogged, they won’t be able to breathe at all and there’s a risk of choking. Ball gags with holes in them increase air flow, or you can use an open-mouth gag for ease of breathing.

Make sure any metal that is in or near the mouth is nickel-free.
This will limit any potential allergies to the toy.

With metal gags, be careful not to chip tooth enamel.
These gags aren’t meant to wear for too long or for rough play. Besides being uncomfortable, the metal can get banged against the teeth in rougher scenes and possibly chip a tooth or rub against the enamel. No one wants a trip to a real dentist due to a medical roleplay scene gone wrong!

Blocked sinuses and asphyxia.
If the sub is experiencing allergies or a cold, their sinuses could be blocked. While wearing a ball gag (and not an open-mouth gag) this could result in suffocation or asphyxia and should be avoided. Use a breathable mouth-gag or open-mouth gag, instead.

Do not use a gag if the submissive is sick or nauseous!
If there’s any possibility at all that they could vomit, gags that obstruct their mouths will cause them to choke on their own vomit. Be sure to only use gags when they feel healthy and don’t have an upset stomach.

Keep hands free for the first few times.
It can be anxiety-inducing to be gagged and not be able to communicate needs or concerns during a scene. Gags have a psychological as well as a physical effect. For the first few times trying gags, leave the submissives hands free so they feel more comfortable and they are left able to take the gag off themselves if they need to.

Silent safewords.
Safewords are very important in BDSM. They help develop trust and let each person know when things aren’t feeling safe. Both Doms and submissives can use safewords to stop the scene and check in outside of the scene. But how do you say a ‘safeword’ when your mouth is full and you’re unable to speak? Develop a safesignal. Have your sub carry a flashlight or a flashing toy. They can hold it in their hand and when they need to cry out a safeword and can’t speak, they can drop the brightly flashing or illuminating safesignal and pause or stop the scene.

Grunts or patterned sounds or taps can also work as safewords/safesignals.
Three grunts in a row can be used instead of a verbal safeword, as long as the environment the scene is being played out in is quiet enough to hear the grunts. If the submissive’s hands are free, they can tap three times or use other signals. Find something that is very clear and easy to understand. Squeaky toys (yes, like the kind you get a puppy) are also great communication devices! Have the submissive hold a squeaky toy in their hand and squeeze it when they need to get your attention.

Have safety shears or safety scissors just in case!
Some gags have straps that are difficult to get on or off during an emergency. Keep safety shears nearby to easily and quickly release your sub.

Don’t leave a gagged partner alone.
It can be very dangerous to leave a partner gagged, especially if they’re restrained. They may not be able to take the gag off on their own and call for help or get your attention. Keep this within sight at all times while they are gagged.

Wash the gag after each use!
The mouth has tons of bacteria in it and the bacteria is subject to change on a regular basis. Make sure to adequately sanitize and disinfect the gag before the next use. See the materials guide above for more information about cleaning and care.

Wear the gag for short durations at first to get used to the feeling.
The jaw can get tired of wearing a gag for too long, especially if the wearer isn’t used to it. Also, with new toys, the gag may be too large and cause discomfort. It’s best to start with short durations and check in with your partner.

Get a small size to start with.
Smaller gags will be able to stay in the mouth longer so that the jaw doesn’t cramp.

Make sure to get a fully adjustable head strap for a snug fit.
Make sure that gag can’t come out until it’s taken out. With adjustable straps, the gag will fit snugly inside the mouth and around the head.

Be mindful of what the sub is wearing, and consider latex!
When it comes to comfort, make sure that the straps on the mouth gag aren’t pressing against or getting tangled in jewelry, accessories or piercings. Pull their hair back if they don’t want it in their face or getting drooled on. As far as clothing, the gag will cause drool to drip down their chin, neck and chest. It can get on any cotton or leather they’re wearing and they may not want that. If they’re not allergic, a good alternative for clothing that won’t get soaked with spit is to have them wear latex (or just get them naked)!

Set a time limit for how long the gag will be in/used.
Some people feel very comfortable with gags, but others may find it claustrophobic or unnerving. For those feeling nervous, set a time limit both partners agree on so everyone feels confident and safe. Start with 15 minutes to start with.

Gags don’t entirely silence the wearer.
If the goal is to keep someone entirely silent, then gags won’t do the trick. They only muffle the sound at best. If the person can’t make any sound it means they also cannot breathe.

What is the purpose of a mouth gag?
People find it erotic for different reasons. The main purpose is to take away speech from the gagged individual and to quiet or muffle sound. The second reason is usually that the sight and sound of a gagged submissive is a turn on to many people. Thirdly, a lot of people find the uncontrollable drooling caused by the gag to be arousing.

Do gags go in or over the mouth?
Different gags serve different purposes, but most gags go in the mouth and are held in place by straps that go around the head. Some gags go over the mouth, but those are mostly bandit ties and silk scarves which fall off fairly easily and don’t muffle much sound or cause drooling.

Do women like to have ball gags in their mouth during sex?
It depends on the woman. Some men also like it. It’s best to simply ask them. Have a conversation about any new toys that enter the bedroom before using them or buying them for the best results!

Do ball gags hurt?
Most don’t hurt, but wearing them for a long period of time can be uncomfortable. Many ball gags can be pushed out of the mouth with the tongue. O-ring gags can be flipped horizontally so the mouth closes down on it instead of stays open. However, medical mouth gags are usually made of metal or steel and only the one putting them on can adjust them easily.

How often should I use a ball gag?
Use it whenever it feels like it would be enjoyable and fun! It’s up to both partners to decide.