I never had nor used a waterpik before. My hygienist recommended that I purchase and use one. I have three crowns and early periodontal disease. Using the waterpik is very soothing.
Although at first I felt like the amusement park water gun shooting target with a balloon head that inflates a stream of water is shot into its mouth, I soon mastered a technique.
With good technique, I was rewarded twofold. My dentist commented on my new excellent oral hygiene and I was able to see little bits of food flushed into the sink & down the drain.
My hygienist recommended a Waterpik because, at age 75, I am finding it more difficult to keep food from collecting between my teeth. As he predicted, the Waterpik is better than floss (which I continue to use twice a day) at removing food. It also removed a stain between two teeth that had been there for years. My mouth feels fresh after using the Waterpik.