What Is a Ball Gag? BDSM Gear That Has Us Gagged

Does the thought of having something shoved in your mouth get you hot and bothered? What if it isn’t USDA Prime man meat but a little rubber or silicone?

Wearing a ball gag might be up your alley! This toy is a fave among submissives and people who can’t shut up during sex. But if you’re new to the concept, it might seem intimidating. Is it challenging to use? Could it be dangerous? Do you have to update your Grindr profile to let people know you’re the kinkiest kinkster who’s ever kinked? Don’t you worry that pretty little mouth of yours; we have all the answers you’re asking for.

What is a ball gag?

A ball gag is a sex toy consisting of a rubber or silicone ball attached to a strap. The ball fits snugly in your mouth, and the strap wraps around the back of your head to keep it there, making it pretty much impossible to talk. Good thing you’ve been practicing your kinky mime role-play, right?

A ball gag muffles sound and invokes a sense of submission or restraint. For many fetishists and BDSM practitioners, being ball-gagged heightens arousal and sensory play.

What is a ball gag for?

Ball gags are often used in BDSM play alongside other physical restraints, especially between partners with a Dominant/submissive relationship. When one partner can’t speak, the other takes the reins. The result is a steamy power dynamic that would surely make a sub’s lip quiver — if he could move his jaw.

Some people find wearing a ball gag heightens their senses. Even simple touches can suddenly feel electrifying as you pool saliva over the silicone between your teeth.

Couples looking to spice up their sexual experiences might find that ball gags are a fun and safe way to dip their toes (and other body parts) into kink and BDSM-related sexual activity. Few toys are more versatile — use it for role-playing, sexually humiliate your partner, or just pop it in your mouth to muffle those moans so your neighbors don’t think there’s a ghost in their walls.

Can ball gags actually make you gag?

“Gag” refers to the act of choking or retching, but it isn’t the intent of this sex toy to leave you dry heaving. (There are plenty of other things you can use to tickle your tonsils.) Some people do experience a gag reflex when using a ball gag, especially if it’s too large or improperly fitted, but with the proper sizing and a little practice, you can enjoy the experience without losing your lunch.

It all depends on how sensitive you are. If you struggle to brush your teeth, may the goddess have mercy on your bedsheets. But if you’re used to having your throat thrusted by gentleman callers, this will probably be small potatoes compared to those giant tubers.

Ball gag safety considerations

Kink practices and safety go together like golden showers and waterproof sheets. Here are some specific safety considerations for ball gag use:

• Use a mouth gag made from body-safe materials, like rubber or silicone. You’ll be drooling all over this thing (hot), and swallowing said drool. You don’t want harmful chemicals in your system (not hot).
• Buy a ball gag that’s suitable for your mouth. You may want to start small as a ball gag virgin. But if your blowjobs are like throwing a hot dog down a hallway, unhinge that jaw of yours and show ’em you’re made of tougher stuff.
• Establish a signal to stop before engaging in play with a ball gag. A safe word won’t work for obvious reasons, so consider snapping your fingers or tapping out to avoid playing impromptu charades.
• Practice the “three S’s” of safety: stop, speak, and sigh. If you or your partner are uncomfortable at any point, stop the play, talk about your discomfort, and take a moment to breathe and regroup.
• Never — and we mean never — leave a gagged person unattended. It doesn’t matter if your Wendy’s order is at the door; your partner might need help or start to panic if you aren’t around. That’s a scary and vulnerable position to be in (and not the sexy kind of scary).
• All BDSM play, no matter how light, should involve conversations surrounding consent, boundaries, and desired aftercare. We assume the Wendy’s order is part of the aftercare.

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Does using a BDSM gag mean you’re into BDSM?

So, you used a ball gag, and you liked it. Something about the taste of that cherry plastic.

However, you’re worried you’ll only be able to cum with a sore jaw from now on. That wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world (you’re still cumming, after all), but wearing a ball or mouth gag doesn’t automatically make you a lowercase “s” submissive.

These days, playful restraint is as normal as eating ass (which is also normal these days). There’s no need to commit to a lifestyle, regardless of what type of play you’re into. Many people consider ball gags a fun sex accessory, like a vibrator or some well-channeled Catholic guilt.

Ball gag types

When you think of a ball gag, you’re probably picturing the standard red ball on a black leather strap, but there are many kinds with distinct uses. Let’s review the impressive array of ball gag toys to help you discover which one’s right for your toy chest.

Classic rubber ball gag

The GOAT that blocks your throat — a classic rubber ball gag is soft, easy to clean, and comfortable for extended wear.

Silicone ball gag

Like rubber, silicone ball gags are soft and flexible. But silicone is more body-safe and often comes in fun colors, making them a popular option for people who want their carpet to match their gapes.

Leather-strap ball gag

If you’re a kink purist, you may be drawn to a leather ball gag like a moth to a flame. Leather is luxurious, and many gags come with adjustable leather straps for an easier fit.

Inflatable ball gag

Want to adjust more than just the strap? An inflatable ball gag gets bigger inside your mouth, ensuring a just-slightly-too-tight fit — just the way we like it.

Vibrating ball gag

Who says plugging your piehole means you can’t provide pleasure with it? Some ball gags vibrate so a partner can ride your mouth while you enjoy the up-close view.

How to use a ball gag

With your toy in hand, it’s time to make some kinky mouth magic happen! Try these ball gag basics to get playtime going:

1. Find your Goldilocks gag

Start by selecting a ball that fits comfortably (or slightly uncomfortably) in your or your partner’s mouth. You know it’s the right size when it feels snug but doesn’t overwhelm you.

2. Practice before the big game

Get comfortable with your ball gag by wearing it for short periods before extended play. We recommend popping that sucker in while you vacuum, grab the mail, or listen to a camera-off Zoom meeting that could have been an email.

3. Communicate

OK, so you can’t exactly recite a monologue when your mouth is full of ball (challenge accepted), but communication is still vital. Establish a short and simple safe word you can say clearly with the gag in your mouth (think “cake-cutter,” not “antidisestablishmentarianism”) or throw in a gesture for good measure.

4. Secure the strap

Once the gag is in place, adjust the strap to ensure it’s snug but not too tight — comfort is key! This is another thing you should practice, especially if you’re the Dom putting it on and taking it off. You want to know that strap like the back of your hand so you can immediately remove it if something goes awry.

5. Check in

Get a thumbs up every now and then from your partner to ensure they’re enjoying the experience. Use your best judgment if there’s a moment that might imply discomfort, and ask if there’s anything you can do to help.

6. Know when to stop

If the gag becomes too uncomfortable or things get uneasy, it’s time to take a break. There’s no medal for grinning and bearing it in hopes you’ll power through.

She bring it to you every ball. Why y’all gagging so?

Mouth: open. Teeth: clenched. Jaw: Spatchcocked like a Cornish game hen. If any of this ball gag talk has you drooling over the sexual possibilities, maybe it’s time to put your money where your mouth is. Ball gags are an excellent and low-stakes way to try fetish play on for size, so what are you waiting for? Open wide for Daddy.

Want to meet guys who will really have your mouth falling open? Get gagged in a different way by discovering all the hot men in your area on Grindr! Download the Grindr app today to get started.