Most people brush their teeth at least once a day. Many people skip going to the dentist. Money may be tight. Is the short-term risk worth it?

Skipping dental visits may be due to a lack of insurance. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that 45 million of the 172 millions Americans aged 65 and under have no dental coverage. Medicare does not cover routine dental care and many dentists do not accept Medicaid. The cost of dental procedures can be expensive – Americans spent $102 million on dental services in 2009. A simple routine cleaning is much cheaper than a root canal.

These tips can help you save big whether you are insured.

* If you have insurance, use it. The dentist should not be viewed as an inconvenience.

* Uninsured? Don’t worry. For those without insurance, there are many options. To help students develop their skills, training schools will often look for patients. Volunteering to clean a practice may cost you a very small fee or be free.

* Watch what you eat. Sticky, sugary foods stick to your teeth and can lead to dental disease. You should avoid sugary drinks and snacking. To flush out food from your mouth, drink water immediately after you eat.

* Clean your teeth regularly. It’s true, you’ve heard this before. Brush twice daily and floss at the very least once a day. Oral care probiotics may be an option. “beneficial”EvoraPlus (bacteria), is available.www.myevoraplus.com. Probiotics compete for space and nutrients with harmful bacteria, making it hard for them to survive.

* Replace your toothbrush if the bristles become frayed. According to Mayo Clinic, every three to four weeks you should buy a new toothbrush and a replacement head for an electric toothbrush.

The pace of life today is rapid. The rise of digital technology has allowed people to communicate with each other via the internet and simultaneously check their children’s soccer scores. Consumers can expect the same conveniences and benefits from all businesses, including their insurance companies, thanks to the internet age. For many people struggling to pay their medical bills, this can seem like a long wait, even though 98 percent of claims for health insurance are processed in 30 days.

As nearly two-thirds American households earn less than 2002, being insured isn’t enough. It’s vital to understand how quickly and efficiently your insurance carrier pays claims. This is critical for both financial recovery and physical recovery.

Recent research found that 66% would not be able to adjust to the high financial cost of serious illnesses or injuries. Only 49% of workers have over $1,000 to pay out-of-pocket costs. Employers are being forced to reduce costs as rising health care costs put even more financial pressure on their employees.

* 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 strive to provide fast service with better technology and better understanding of customers’ needs. This is one example. AflacIn the insurance industry, it is rare to find policies that allow for claims approval, processing, and payment within one day.

Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It is a necessity in today’s world. It’s vital to have funds readily available for serious illness or injury. You should ensure that your insurance company can move at your pace.

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