Abstract: A toothbrush is provided with a handle having a mechanism for oscillating the bristles of the brush sideways. The mechanism comprises an elastic band stretch between the handle and the shaft of the toothbrush to retain their relative rotational orientation. It also comprises a plunger hingely mounted on the shaft of the toothbrush and off its longitudinal axis for producing a rotation of the toothbrush of about a quarter of a turn when depressed. The elastic band returns the mechanism to its original position when the plunger is released. This repeated action produces the oscillation of the bristles.