If you are like a lot of people, you want your teeth to be as white as possible. Luckily, there are a number of ways to help your teeth look better. Here are some things you can do in your day to day life that will give you the bright smile you desire.

Use a Straw

If you're someone who enjoys drinking lots of tea, coffee or wine, you already know that your favorite drinks can stain your teeth. However, if you want your teeth to stay as white as possible, it's a good idea to start drinking these beverages through a straw.

Drinking through a straw allows you to limit contact between your teeth and the drinks you enjoy. If you don't want to give up these drinks altogether, a straw can save your teeth while allowing you the freedom to continuing enjoying these beverages.

Brush with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural, nontoxic substance that you may already have in your home and use for other things. However, it can also produce mild teeth-whitening effects. To give it a try, first brush your teeth as you normally would. Then, put a little baking soda on your toothbrush and use the baking soda as a paste. Rinse your mouth out, and you should see that your teeth are a little whiter than they were before.

Try Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is a natural method that has been used for many years all over the world. People claim that it makes their teeth whiter and their gums pinker.

To attempt oil pulling, start a capful of olive, coconut or sesame oil. Put the oil in your mouth and swish it around gently for a number of minutes. When you are finished, spit the oil into a tissue and dispose of it with other bathroom trash. Avoid spitting the oil into the sink, as oils can cause clogs.

Fake it with Bronzer or Tanner

Yet another way to appear to have a whiter smile is to use bronzer, self-tanner or a moisturizing lotion that contains bronzer. Bronze skin can create a visual illusion that your teeth are whiter than they actually are. In the summer, you can also create this effect naturally by getting a suntan.

Now that you know some of the ways your smile can be brighter, use the tips in this article to keep your pearly whites as bright as possible. If you want to be confident that your teeth are as white as they can be, head to a cosmetic dentist like David Jackson, DDS, and discuss in-office whitening treatments and other options available to you.