Most of us dream of having a perfectly white Hollywood smile, and a trip to your dentist is definitely the fastest way to whiten your teeth. But in-between appointments, there’s still a lot you can do to make sure your smile is irresistible.

We at Bright Side were excited to find out that there are a lot of affordable ways to whiten your teeth, including eating chocolate. And we gathered 6 easy hacks that will help you stretch out the time between dental appointments.

1. Have a piece of dark chocolate.

Chocolate lovers might find this surprising because your smile can easily turn brownish after you indulge in your favorite sweet snack. But eating dark chocolate every now and then can actually help you keep your teeth white. It’s rich in polyphenols, natural chemicals that fight oral bacteria, and studies have found that dark chocolate might be better at fighting tooth decay than fluoride.

2. Stay away from ice.

Chewing on ice can definitely help you feel refreshed, but if you want your teeth to stay white for longer, you may want to break this habit. When you chew ice cubes, it weakens your enamel, making your teeth more sensitive and prone to staining. The habit of chewing ice can also damage your existing fillings and veneers, causing your smile to look less attractive.

3. Skip the tongue piercing.

Tongue piercings are a fun thing you can hide when you want to, but rubbing the metal along your teeth can easily damage your pearly whites. And if you accidentally bite down on it, the hard metal can scratch or even chip your teeth.

4. Chew some nuts.

Nuts are a nutritious, perfectly healthy snack you can always have within reach to tame your hunger. They offer lots of health benefits, and chewing them can help rub away plaque and stains, keeping your teeth naturally white. Having a handful of almonds, Brazil nuts, or cashews even helps fight bacteria that cause tooth decay.

5. Choose the right toothbrush.

If you’re vigorously brushing your teeth with a hard bristle toothbrush in hopes of making them look whiter, you might actually be causing some pretty serious damage. Brushing too hard wears away enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to staining. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth gently, using a soft toothbrush and wiggling it in small circles.

6. Enjoy dried fruit in moderation.

Dried fruit may seem like a perfect alternative to sweets and candies, but it actually contains highly concentrated sugar, and because of its gummy-like texture, it can easily cling to your teeth and damage them. Instead of eating raisins and dried pineapple, opt for fresh, non-acidic fruits that are safe for your teeth.

Do you get your teeth whitened professionally, or do you opt for home remedies? Do you know any hacks to keep your teeth white?