ORAL CONTROL
GAGS
Like all other types of restraint, mouth stuffers and covers are mainly a matter of personal capacity - and dare one 
say - taste! Whatever the name of your particular game, both physically and psychologically any stuffer, mouth-
cover or head harness can create effects which may be either exhilarating or devastating. To surrender control of 
verbal communication is a supreme act of submission. The physical intrusion of something into the mouth can be a 
traumatic experience - but it can also be a 'release. This allows the gagged person to respond vocally in a more 
extravagant way than usual. Without disturbing the 'controller' or distressing the neighbours, an efficient gag offers 
the luxury of a good healthy shout and scream, which some people find very liberating. Another attraction is the 
physical pleasure or relief of biting into something. 
SAFETY FACTORS
As verbal communication is more completely stifled, so it becomes more important to monitor the victim carefully. 
Particular responsibility is demanded when the victim is effectively immobilised as well as silenced. Choking or 
'gagging' on something inserted in the mouth can be unpredictable. In case of an involuntary and uncontrollable 
reaction, any gag must be easily removable. As a general principle a gagged person should not be left unsupervised. 
Particular care should be taken if someone is gagged lying on his or her back. Teeth can be a control factor. Damage 
to either teeth or false dentures must be avoided. Pressing the lips too tightly against teeth can often reduce the 
length of time a willing victim can endure 'gagging'. Also, the distance, teeth and jaw will open varies considerably. 
A wide gag which one person finds quite acceptable may be too much for another (jaws can be dislocated). Nasal 
breathing causes strain for many people. Temporary sinus problems or a cold can reduce the capacity of someone 
who has previously had no trouble. By breathing deeply and slowly a person can increase his/her ability to endure a 
situation which may at first seem threatening - but a lot of people are unable to breathe adequately through the nose 
alone. Gags, which allow breathing, are generally not as soundproof - but there are circumstances when a tube gag 
has additional advantages. Saliva is another factor to take into account. Some types of gag produce much more 
saliva than others. This can't always be swallowed, and if the 'victim' is lying face down it can stain bedding or 
carpets. Alternatively, some gags can make a mouth uncomfortably dry. A soft stuffing such as a bandage can dry 
the month when first applied. Damping the fabric can often be effective. Dust must also be a consideration if the 
patient is lying on a carpet or in a dusty environment. Drugs and gags in particular do not mix. As we've already 
suggested, the best general rule is - steer clear. 
HYGIENE 
The sterilising and thorough cleansing of anything used, as a gag is imperative. Only one person should use leather 
stuffers and gum shields. Gags, which can be soaked in antiseptic fluid, offer minimal danger. Remember that even 
metal items should be soaked rather than just wiped. 
FIXINGS 
The immediate effect of anything inserted into or covering the mouth is a sense of helplessness - but with experience 
it becomes obvious that many traditional images of gags, as seen in films and TV are, in fact, ineffective (complete 
crap?). The tongue and teeth have considerable power to dislodge a gag. Mobility of the jaw usually allows even the 
tightest cloth wraparound gag or adhesive tape to be displaced eventually. Something stuffed into the mouth can 
often be used to dislodge what is supposed to keep the stuffing in place. 
BUCKLES, 'D' RINGS OR VELCRO 
Holes in a buckle straps for a gag or head-harness should be no more than half an inch apart. Even so this may not 
allow for accurate enough adjustment. A soft strap threaded through double 'D' rings is infinitely variable and still 
perfectly secure. Straps closed only by Velcro tape can be quite secure especially if the strap doubles back through a 
loop before Velcro makes contact. This can be rubbed loose unless steps are taken to prevent the possibility. 
BUCKLE POSITION: 
Traditionally gags fasten behind the neck but a front or side fixing has many advantages. The psychological effect of 
a buckle actually over the mouth is quite powerful. 
MOUTH OPEN OR CLOSED: 
Held open with either a solid wedge, soft stuffer or solid bung with a breathing/feeding hole - each can provide for 
different opportunities - but many people find that a wide-open jaw soon begins to ache painfully and 
swallowing/dribbling become problems. A closed mouth is less able to create noise, especially if also filled and 
covered. To clamp the mouth closed requires strapping not only around behind the neck but also from chin over 
crown of head. This strap may also need to be anchored to prevent the patient rubbing it loose. Locking of such a 
harness is complicated - but if the patient's hands can not reach it, there is no problem. 
NOISE REDUCTION 
Another consideration is that even when a mouth is efficiently stuffed and covered, noise and vocal communication 
remains possible. It is the outside of cheeks and around the larynx, which needs to be 'stifled'. Of all the different 
types listed, it is not until you reach 'muzzles' that the configurations described below give maximum noise 
reduction. SINGLE STRAP FIXING This is the usual image for any gag - but by flexing the neck and chin 
considerable strain can be put on the gag fixing. Unless very tight, fabric can be stretched and a strap dislodged. A 
very tight fixing may damage the corners of the mouth particularly if strapped across an open mouth. 
STRAP WITH ATTACHMENT 
Something in the mouth attached to a strap is much less easy to work loose - but still the strap may cut the corners of 
the mouth. 
MOUTH COVERS 
Used with any attachment inside the mouth this is more secure and comfortable. If the cover is broad enough it can 
also reduce the sound from cheeks. 
MUZZLES: 
This is usually shaped to fit under the chin as well as over mouth and cheeks - but requires at least one extra strap 
over the head (usually plus others to hold these firmly in place). When designed to clamp the mouth closed rather 
than cover a wedge gag, it can be an almost total 'silencer'. 
HEAD-HARNESSES: 
Many different configurations are possible but these all produce a powerful psychological effect - by surrounding 
the head with straps. However, although thick leather and heavy hardware may look more dramatic, it may limit 
time the harness can be worn. Pressure points around the head/nose/neck are potentially dangerous. A harness, 
which feels limp and lightweight in the hands, may fit better and feel very powerful when strapped in place. Used in 
conjunction with a hood or helmet the effect can be particularly intense (However, remember - it must be possible to 
remove any gag quickly in an emergency). Incidentally, when a head-harness is being put on, be sure to get it 
centred right so as not to obstruct nasal breathing or pull down on the bridge of the nose. 
BRIDLES 
Traditional harness for a horse and used to hold a bit in place and control head movement - perhaps with attached 
reins. 
FACE-COVERS 
Some head-harnesses have detachable blindfold. The aim is to rob the wearer of personality - or make him/her less 
recognisable. 
BLINDFOLDS 
These very useful devices concentrate attention by forcing the wearer to rely on other less well developed senses 
(also, making them more helpless). Obscuring the vision is easy but to produce a totally light proof simple blindfold 
requires a good shape and some padding. This may place slight pressure on eyeballs, so contact lenses must be taken 
into account. Our advice is to the remove the lenses. If you do your job properly your patient can't see anyway and if 
you don't - blurred vision - double win! Single-strap blindfolds can usually be rubbed off the head - if such 
movement is allowed. 
HOODS & HELMETS 
These will be dealt with later and are a slightly different category. Used in conjunction with gags many types of soft 
leather hoods can be very effective. Hoods with mouth openings, through which gags can be inserted, are usually 
preferable to closed hoods laced over a gag. Other headgear such as motorcycle helmets can serve to isolate the 
wearer and increase the sense of helplessness. Sports shops also stock a range of face-guards and protective masks 
which can be useful to the imaginative players. They can also be useful in preventing head injuries to the patient. 
GASMASKS 
These automatically reduce ability to make noise. Used with a snorkel breathing mouthpiece or any stuffer they are a 
very effective form of gag. However, making a gas-mask impossible to remove by rubbing against a surface can 
only be achieved by devising a separate series of straps for the back of the mask - or totally immobilising the head. 
SHAPES & SIZES BALL GAGS 
A semi-soft ball, depending on its size can fit between the teeth or behind them in the mouth. Ball gags are often 
pictured on a thong or light chain. As such they are an inexpensive and efficient toy - but they do tend to cut the 
corners of the mouth. A wider strap is advisable if used for any length of time. You can find suitable balls in toy and 
pet stores - both are likely to be made from non-toxic materials. Hint - have an idea what size you are likely to need 
before going in as it's had to try the stock out with the shop keeper in front of you. The same can not be said of 
shaped bungs, etc bought from hardware or DIY supply sources. A largish ball forced beyond the teeth, into the 
mouth can be effective (if the ball will come out again without too much dental strain). A smaller ball completely in 
the mouth, anchored to a mouth-cover and the mouth clamped closed, has a whole different feel and can be very 
effective (A squash ball is an ideal size for most people). A larger soft foam ball, sold in many toyshops, is an 
interesting alternative. Squeezed small it will fill a mouth very effectively and can be held in position with just a 
light strap. It will also absorb and hold a considerable amount of liquid, which can intensify the situation. 
WEDGE GAGS 
Suitable shapes can be found, but the chemical composition of the material may be questionable. Rubber doorstops 
in various sizes have been used to great effect when attached to a mouth cover. The ideal shape is a 'slice of orange'. 
This can be whittled from wood and covered with leather or rubber (with or without padding). Wedging only the 
front centre of the teeth may create dental problems for some people. A wedge, which follows the tooth line, is safer 
- and with something added to press down on the tongue, this can be very effective. 
BAR GAGS
A traditional gag used by surgeons before anaesthetics were invented, was a piece of wooden dowel padded with 
sheepskin and covered with leather. Two leather thongs attached to either end were passed behind the head, wound 
round the opposite ends of the bar and then fastened behind the head. The rubber bar gag pictured is also a simple 
and practical device. 
HORSE BITS
Actual harness bits come in many shapes and sizes. Pony-size is usually best, and ones with a rubber bar are easier 
on the teeth. Whether incorporated into a bridle and reins or just used on a single strap, this piece of authentic 
equipment has a quite unique feeling when used in a Scene. 
'0' RING GAGS 
Although they hold the mouth well open, metal rings (whether covered with leather or not) put all pressure on the 
side teeth. So any jolt, which causes sudden mouth movement, could be dangerous. Some people find an 'O' ring can 
be turned in the mouth and is therefore ineffective. To prevent this the strap should be at least an inch wide. TUBE 
GAGS Embedded in a wide mouth-cover, plastic plumbing pipe or rubber hose can make useful 'breather-gags'. The 
maximum diameter of the pipe is determined by the distance between teeth (or by the object of the exercise!). Again, 
all pressure is on the front-centre teeth so care must be taken. If a stopper the size of the tubes internal diameter can 
be found, a dual-purpose gag can be made. 
STUFFERS 
These fall into two categories, those, which hold the mouth open, and those, which allow the teeth to close. Apart 
from the preformed balls and bungs already mentioned, hand-made soft stuffers are available made from leather, 
rubber and moulded plastic (including a penis-head shape). It should not be possible to bite through the 'neck' of an 
open mouth stuffer (see gum shields). If this situation appeals to you, it is worth experimenting to discover the 
approximate size and shape (open and closed) of your mouth interior. Using a thin plastic bag and some small pieces 
of fabric, allow the corner of the bag into your mouth and then load in fabric until the mouth is comfortably full. 
Twist the neck of the bag and bite down to mould a shape. The measurement of the circumference and length will 
give a useful indication of the size you need when making or buying something more permanent. 
INFLATABLE GAGS 
Psychologically these promise well, but there are several problems. If not strongly inflated it is possible for the teeth 
to puncture it. If inflated too strongly it can press onto the back of the throat and cause breathing difficulties or even 
jaw damage. Some people maintain that if an inflatable bladder 'pops' in the mouth this can cause serious damage to 
the lungs. Discussions with several doctors have produced conflicting opinions on this point. 
GUM SHIELDS (BOXERS') 
A pair of these can be made into a very efficient gag and mouth immobiliser. After being softened in hot water they 
form a mould giving a plastic casing to the frill arc of the teeth (they can only be worn by one person). An upper and 
lower set of these can then safely be wedged apart because the pressure is equally distributed and thus the teeth 
protected. A breather wedge made to fit between two sets of Gum Shields can be excellent for many situations. A 
mouth clamped closed on Gum Shields is totally immobilised and if cheeks are covered, this makes an almost total 
silencer. Try your local gym or dentist to acquire good quality shields. 
OUTSIDE DILDOS
These are very specialised pieces of equipment, used in both heterosexual and homosexual games. Even when not 
used for penetration, the humiliation of being made to wear it plus the implied threat, makes it a powerful device. If 
it is intended for actual use, the protuberance must be solidly anchored to the mouth- cover and perhaps connected to 
a stuffer in the mouth. 
ADHESIVE TAPE:
A small piece of tape stuck over the mouth to silence a victim is a film and TV cliché. In reality it is not so simple. 
Because of the flexibility of the cheeks and jaw the tape must be wide enough, long enough and stuck over the 
mouth when open to make it effective. Alternatively the jaw has to be taped upwards before the mouth is covered. A 
mouth stuffer used in a taped mouth can be used to push the cover off. Wrapping narrow tape around the head and 
across the open mouth to hold stuffing in place is effective but can cause the patient to bite into his/her flesh inside 
the mouth. Fabric based 'Duct-tape' can he very useful - particularly when wrapped around both the gag line and 
from under the chin, round over the top/back of head. Two points to be borne in mind are that removing adhesive 
tape can be painful and the possible toxicity of industrial tape.