A Waterpik is a valuable tool in your oral hygiene. This stream of pressurized water can easily go through the spaces in between the teeth and remove food particles, meat, celery, etc. Removing these articles is critical because your saliva can start digesting particles in between the teeth. This can cause bad breath and ultimately decay. You will always do a better job with your oral hygiene if you use a Waterpik. I have patients who brush and floss and then follow that with a Waterpik. They are surprised that they get food particles out even after flossing!
One advantage of flossing is biofilm. This forms on the teeth in the interproximal spaces where your toothbrush can't reach. This biofilm is the foundation of plaque. your teeth aren't really clean unless you remove the biofilm. So what should you do? Both the Waterpik and the floss are valuable helpers. I recommend you use both. Happy Smiles!
Todd B. Huffaker, DDS