an electric toothbrush includes a head having a moving portion , a handle , and shaft between the head and the handle . a body portion is hollow and further includes a motor operative to generate motion for driving the moving portion . a battery is located within the hollow section for powering the motor . a first switch , operatively connected to the motor provides momentary operation of the toothbrush . optionally , a second switch provides for continuous operation of the toothbrush . the first switch can be operated while the toothbrush is in a toothbrush package , such as , for example , a plastic blister pack . a consumer can momentarily observe the operation of the toothbrush before purchasing the toothbrush . the consumer cannot operate the second switch and is thereby prevented from leaving the toothbrush in a battery draining operational mode for extended periods of time .