The compact toothbrush (10) has a handle that is designed so that the toothbrush (10) can be held within a user's open palm. The toothbrush's lower portion (12) has a substantially triangular contour. The toothbrush has a bristled head (14) and an oppositely disposed support rib (26). The support rib extends along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush from an upper edge of the toothbrush's head (14), to a central region of the toothbrush's lower portion. The lower portion of the toothbrush handle has first and second opposed, outwardly flared side edges (30, 32) that are joined together at the lower edge (34) so that the lower portion has a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional contour. The user cups the toothbrush (10) in the palm of his hand and extends two fingers adjacent to the support rib to stabilize the toothbrush (10) while brushing his teeth.