Abstract: A portable electrically powered toothbrush which includes a brush head having at least one tuft holding assembly mounted for rotation about its central axis. Pulsating direct current is supplied through control circuitry to a DC motor in the brush handles by a pair of rechargeable batteries also mounted in the handle. Power from the motor is transmitted through a reduction gear and belt drive assembly to the tuft holding assembly, resulting in a unidirectional intermittent rotation of the assembly about its axis and a simultaneous reciprocation of the assembly along that axis. Alternately, continuous power may be supplied to the motor, resulting in a unidirectional continuous rotation and reciprocation of the tuft holding assembly.