Oral care implement with fluid dispensing system

A toothbrush with oral care fluid dispenser comprising:

• an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis, a head defining a distal end, a handle defining a proximal end, and a neck extending between the head and handle;
• the head comprising an array of tooth cleaning elements;
• a reservoir configured for storing an oral care fluid;
• an actuator operable to dispense the oral care fluid from the reservoir;
• an elastomeric valve nested between a spaced apart pair of a first protective lamella and second protective lamella, the valve fluidly coupled to the reservoir;
• wherein the valve is resiliently changeable between a normally closed position and an open position for dispensing the oral care fluid from the reservoir when the actuator is actuated;
• and
• wherein during a brushing stroke in a first longitudinal direction, the first protective lamella folds to engage the second protective lamella and covers the valve to deter ingress of external fluids into the valve, and during a brushing stroke in an opposite second longitudinal direction, the second protective lamella folds to engage the first protective lamella and covers the valve to deter ingress of external fluids into the valve.