Abstract: A toothbrush is provided which has a headpiece with a cylindrical brush and a handle. By means of a gravity switch the direction of rotation of the brush is reversed according to the turning movement of the handle, in order to automatically maintain a direction of rotation of the brush from the gums to the crown of the tooth. In order to obtain the correct position of the toothbrush, the brush is provided with a protecting cap leaving an opening in order to form a working region. The gravity switch is arranged parallel to the plane of the free working region of the brush.