Abstract: A toothbrush having a handle and, attached at one end thereof, a head (1), the head (1) having a handle end (4), a free end (2), and a bristle-bearing face (7) with a plurality of tufts (6) extending therefrom, the tufts (6) each having a base and a free end and comprising one or more bristles, wherein the tufts (6) are arranged in groups which are separated from each other by a transverse gap (8), the distance between the bases of the tufts (6) within a group being less than 1.3 mm, the distance between the bases of the tufts (6) between groups being in the range from 1.3 mm to 5 mm and wherein the distance between the free ends of the tufts between groups is preferably at least 0.5 mm. Preferably, each group is in the form of a crescent shaped array and tufts (6) are generally perpendicular to the toothbrush head (1).

Abstract: A toothbrush having a handle (4) and a head (1), the head (1) being of length L and having longitudinal and transverse axes, the head (1) having a bristle-bearing surface (7) with a plurality of tufts (6) extending therefrom, wherein the tufts (6) are arranged in a plurality of groups N, which are separated from each other by a transverse gap (8) of from 1.3 mm to 5 mm, the distance between tufts (6) within a group being less than 1.3 mm, and wherein at least 50% of the tufts (6) are characterized by there being no other tuft (6) within 1.3 mm, measured along a line parallel to the transverse axis, for at least 50% of the width of the tuft (6). Preferably, each group is in the form of a crescent shaped array and tufts (6) are generally perpendicular to the toothbrush head (1). The arrangement allows for independent movement of bristle tufts (6), particularly whilst using the Bass technique for toothbrushing, yet maintains a high density of tufts (6) on the toothbrush head (1).