A handheld toothbrush with a brush head having a forward free end and a rearward portion. Provided at the forward free end of the brush head is at least one bristle tuft of a first set. Adjoining the first set in rearward direction is a second set of tufts comprised of several bristle tufts arranged serially on a ring and extending in the circumferential direction of the ring at an angle of inclination relative to the surface of the brush head. A third set of tufts adjoins the second set of bristle tufts in the direction towards the rearward portion. The tufts of the third set are inclined in the circumferential direction in opposition to the direction of the bristle tufts of the second set. As a result, these tufts are capable of penetrating optimally between the user's teeth, hence ensuring a better cleaning result.