Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning surfaces and crevices of teeth wherein at least one tuft of filaments is rotated in a controlled reciprocating manner whereby the tuft is rotated a number of revolutionsin one direction and then rotated the same number of revolutions in the opposite direction. An alternative embodiment comprises a plurality of tufts of filaments, each of which is rotated in a controlled reciprocating fashion about its own central axis. Furthermore, immediately adjacent tufts are contrarotated. Each tuft is rotated about its own central axis, and placed in contact with the teeth whereby the filaments develop a twisting action dynamically and serially progressing from the base of each tuft to the opposite free ends of the filaments. The plurality of tufts are positioned in two parallel rows, each of which has adjacent tufts staggered with respect to each other.