here's a little secret. if you want white teeth, do not:
drink coffee,
drink soda,
consume large amounts of red wine,
avoid flossing, and
avoid dental hygiene altogether.
but here's an even better secret:
i owe my white teeth largely in part to the methods described above but also because i use ultrabrite toothpaste. it was rated #1 by consumer reports for effective tartar control, fluoride offering, and whitening capabilities.
what's better is that this toothpaste is about as cheap as it gets. i think its retail price is around $1.
word to the wise - use ultrabrite for an ultra bright smile. show me your teeth!