One of the quickest ways to boost your confidence in your physical appearance is to whiten your teeth. Discolored teeth can be a result of consuming beverages like coffee and wine or from years of smoking. Yellow or off-white teeth are also caused by genetics or taking certain medications.

Fortunately, there are natural ways to whiten teeth at home that will make you more confident in your smile:

1. Baking soda and peroxide
These ingredients are often included in teeth whitening solutions and you can use these affordable items at home to get a whiter smile. Mix a little baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to form a paste and apply the solution to your teeth with your toothpaste. Leave the mixture on your teeth for a few minutes before rinsing it off and brushing your teeth with the toothpaste of your choice. Or, you can mix these ingredients with your toothpaste so you can use it each time you brush your teeth. Depending on the sensitivity or color of your teeth, you may see results in as little as two weeks.

2. Oil pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional Indian remedy that has been around for centuries. Oil pulling is safe to do daily and involves swishing oil around in your mouth to get rid of plaque that can discolor your teeth. It’s best to use coconut oil since the oil contains lauric acid that kills bacteria and helps prevent plaque buildup and gingivitis. For best results, use one tablespoon of coconut oil and keep it in your mouth for up to 20 minutes.

3. Apple cider vinegar
When you use apple cider as a “mouthwash” before or after brushing, you’re ridding your mouth of toxins and bacteria. Since apple cider vinegar is antibacterial, the substance can help to whiten your teeth by ridding your mouth of tartar and plaque. If the vinegar is too strong for you, you can dilute it with water and/or add coconut oil to make the taste less bitter while still getting the benefits of this natural remedy.

4. Eat more fruits and vegetables
Finally, a diet filled with healthy foods like fruits and vegetables can keep your teeth looking their best. Pineapples and strawberries have been proven to whiten teeth due to the acid in the fruit that rids the teeth of impurities. It’s also important to each crunchy produce like carrots, celery, and apples to reduce bacteria in the mouth. These crunchy foods help to scrub the surface of the teeth so plaque won’t settle on your teeth and cause yellowing. Of course, eating lots of vegetables and fruits is not a substitute for brushing your teeth twice a day, but a healthy diet can keep your pearly whites clean throughout the day.