A toothbrush comprises a handle having an elongated head mounted to the handle. The head has a longitudinally central portion which comprises a plurality of longitudinally aligned segments connected to each other by a joint. Cleaning elements are mounted to the segments and extend outwardly from the outer surface of the head. A shelf-like protrusion extends laterally outwardly from each side of the central section. Further cleaning elements are flexibly mounted to the protrusions. Preferably the shelf-like protrusions are covered with an elastomer. The central section is made of a harder material than the material of the covered protrusions.