Abstract: A toothbrush has a toothbrush head supported by an elongated handle which defines an axis. A number of brush elements mounted on the toothbrush head, each including at least one tuft of bristles, have a dimension parallel to the axis being no more than about 5 mm. Each brush element assumes a released state projecting upright from the toothbrush head, and can be deflected in a given direction defined by a motion delineating configuration. The direction of deflection is at an angle of between about 15° and about 75° to the axis and perpendicular to a bristle extension direction.