Americans are worried about the next round or trying to make ends work. Many are cutting back on the items and services they consider the most important.

In a survey of 300 dentists, the Chicago Dental Society conducted a fall 2008 poll and found that more than 40% said they see fewer preventive care visits, and more then 60% reported that patients are putting off cosmetic procedures as a result of the economic downturn.

“It’s happening across the board, people asking, ‘Can I delay it for a while?'”Dr. Indru Punwani, chief of pediatric dentistry at University of Illinois at Chicago, said: “These are people in the middle classes now.”

Americans cannot afford to neglect their oral health, despite all their best efforts to reduce costs. Overall health can be greatly affected by dental care. This includes caring for the teeth, gums, and other structures of the mouth. Gum disease may allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This can cause organ damage and cardiovascular problems. Doctors can often see signs of serious illness through the mouth.

Americans should see their dentists twice a year for routine dental care. But, while they wait, they can take steps to ensure their teeth are healthy. They should brush and floss their teeth twice daily, eat healthy foods, quit smoking, and live an active life.

Research is showing that these are not the only steps to optimal oral health.

Jeffrey Hillman, DMD., Ph.D. has spent over 30 years studying oral health and has discovered three probiotic strains that naturally live in healthy mouths. ProBiora3 is a patented blend of probiotics that forms colonies on the gums and teeth to counter harmful bacteria.

The beneficial bacteria helps maintain healthy gums and teeth, and freshens breath. They also gently whiten the teeth by releasing low levels of hydrogen peroxide. Because bacteria is microscopic, probiotic products can penetrate areas of your mouth that would otherwise be inaccessible to other oral health products.

ProBiora3’s probiotic technology has been integrated in an easy-to-use delivery system, as a probiotic mint in EvoraPlus. Visit this site for more information www.evoraplus.com.

Today’s life is very fast. The rise of digital technology has allowed people to communicate with each other via the internet and simultaneously check their children’s soccer scores. With the advent of the Internet, consumers can expect the same conveniences from all services and businesses except their insurance companies. For those who are struggling to pay their medical bills and need health insurance, 98 per cent of claims can be processed in under 30 days.

It is no longer enough to be insured, as nearly two-thirds of American households have less income than 2002. It is vital to understand how quickly and efficiently your insurance carrier pays claims. This is important for both financial and medical recovery.

Recent research found that 66% would not be able to adjust to the high financial cost of serious illnesses or injuries. Only 49% have enough money to cover out-of pocket expenses. Additionally, rising healthcare costs are forcing employers into cost-saving measures that are putting employees under greater financial pressure.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

A lot of people will have to wait for up to a few months before receiving their insurance payments. Many insurance companies are able to offer fast service because they have better technology and an understanding of today’s consumer needs. This is one example. AflacIt is almost rare for insurance companies to offer policies that include claims processing, approval, and payment in a single day.

In the past, fast payment policies were a luxury. It is a necessity in today’s world. It’s vital to have funds readily available for serious illness or injury. Your insurance company should be able to respond quickly.

Aflac’s One Day Pay Promise can be found at aflac.com/onedaypay.