But in today's fast-paced, highly caffeinated world, getting one is easier said than done. But with a little effort, you can get that smile you've always wanted.

Here are 10 tips to help you achieve whiter teeth:

Brush 'em

This is the oldest trick in the book. But you'd be surprised how many people don't brush at all, much less  two times a day. But they should if they want to keep their smile bright and white.

Brushing for two minutes twice a day not only removes cavity-causing plaque from your teeth and keeps your gums healthy and strong, but it also washes away staining agents found in everything from blueberries to tobacco. So brush 'em up.

Use whitening toothpaste

Of course if you're going to spend four minutes a day brushing, why not maximize your efforts by using whitening toothpaste. Most include a touch of hydrogen peroxide, which whitens teeth. Learn more about whitening toothpaste.

Steer clear of the cola and coffee

Soft drinks and coffee are great for getting you going in the morning, but they're terrible for white teeth. Over time, both dark drinks will eventually stain your teeth, staining your white teeth.

Don't sip it

Okay, maybe giving up dark, caffeinated soda and coffee is unrealistic--everyone needs a little extra energy boost now and then. So if you're going to start your day with something from Starbucks, why not suck it down through a straw?

Using a straw helps ensure that at least some of the staining agents in soda and coffee bypass your pearly whites. It's not a perfect solution, but it will help a little in your effort to get that bright white smile you've always wanted.

Eat your vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and cucumbers. Thanks to your Mom, you've always known they're good for your body. But did you know they're also good for your teeth? Well they are. At the same time crunchy vegetables are delivering essential vitamins and minerals to your body, they're wiping away decay and staining agents from your teeth. So eat them. Your Mom (and your dentist) want you to.

Toss the tobacco

There are more reasons than we can possibly list to stop smoking or chewing tobacco. Near the top, of course, is that tossing the tobacco will help keep you keep or get a brighter, whiter smile. Nicotine, which is found in all tobacco products you put in your mouth, leaves a gross yellow film on your teeth. Over time, it will make your teeth yellow. 

Swish

Mouth wash: It's not just for fresh breath anymore. A lot of the mouth wash on the market today includes whitening agents. It can help wipe your away staining agents and actually actively work to whiten your teeth. See what whitening mouth wash is out there.

Strip 'em

Nearly every drug store and many dentists sell teeth-whitening strips. If you're interested in aggressively whitening your teeth, strips are the second most effective method you can try. Read about whitening strips.

See your dentist

The most effective way to get the white smile you've always wanted is to bleach them under the supervision of your dentist. Not only does dentist-supervised bleaching offer the best way deliver the highest concentration of bleaching agents to your teeth, but it includes a customized teeth tray that fits snugly in your mouth, ensuring that every tooth gets a full amount of treatment.

Want that perfect smile? Try these tips or, better yet, talk to your dentist about what you can do to get a bright, white smile.