Is teeth whitening safe in Denmark?

Teeth whitening is generally safe for adults with healthy teeth and gums when it is done by a dentist, or with a legal product used exactly as directed. In Denmark, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (Miljøstyrelsen) advises seeing a dentist if you want whiter teeth, and contacting your dentist before you start if you whiten at home. Increased sensitivity and gum irritation are among the known risks.

The risks come mainly from three things: products that are stronger than EU law allows, whitening by people who are not dentists, and whitening teeth or gums that need a dentist first. This guide covers what the rules in Denmark say and how to whiten safely at home.

What do the rules in Denmark say about teeth whitening?

Denmark follows the EU Cosmetics Regulation. Whitening products sold over the counter in Denmark may contain no more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, the bleaching agent dentists use, and products above 6% hydrogen peroxide are not allowed anywhere in the EU. Bleaching with these stronger products is a job for the dentist, not for a hairdresser or beautician, and must not be carried out on anyone under 18.

The Danish Dental Association (Tandlægeforeningen) sums up the Danish rules for tooth bleaching: it should always start with an examination and information from a dentist, you should have at least 2 days to think it over before treatment begins, and the dentist takes a clinical photo before and after.

When Miljøstyrelsen looked at whitening products for home use in 2021, two thirds of them did not comply with the law, half were judged to pose a risk of harm to teeth and gums, and one in five a serious risk. Many at-home products, including SmilePro's range sold in Denmark and across the EU, use a different whitening ingredient, PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid). Whatever you buy, look for a full ingredient list, clear safety information and a seller you can contact.

Are teeth whitening strips safe?

Strips that meet EU rules are generally safe for adults with healthy teeth when used as directed: the stated number of treatments, for the stated time, and not on sore or irritated gums. Risks rise if strips are left on too long, used more often than directed, or bought from sellers who do not follow EU rules.

Miljøstyrelsen's 2021 survey found that two thirds of whitening products for home use broke the law, so choose carefully: check the full ingredient list, read the instructions before your first treatment, and see a dentist first if you have any concerns about your teeth or gums.

Does teeth whitening damage enamel?

Tandlægeforeningen says a very small amount of enamel dissolves each time teeth are bleached, so bleaching should not be repeated often, and a dentist should check whether your enamel can take it. Miljøstyrelsen lists erosion of the enamel among the known risks when home whitening is done incorrectly or with an unsafe product. SmilePro's gel and strips are formulated to be enamel safe. Follow the instructions and never exceed the stated treatment time.

If your enamel is already thin or worn, whitening is unlikely to give a good result and a dentist should look first.

Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?

Some people feel temporary sensitivity during whitening. Tandlægeforeningen says many people feel a little pain in their teeth while bleaching, especially if they already have sensitive tooth necks, and that it usually stops after a couple of days. SmilePro's formula is designed to help prevent sensitivity in healthy teeth. If your teeth are already sensitive, see a dentist before whitening, as sensitivity can have a cause that needs treating first.

If you feel discomfort during a treatment, stop, rinse and pause your course. Miljøstyrelsen advises contacting your dentist if you get problems such as gum irritation. You can also contact our team, who can talk you through your routine.

Who should not whiten their teeth?

Danish rules do not allow tooth bleaching on anyone under 18. Whitening only lightens natural teeth, so crowns, veneers, dentures and implants will not change colour, and Tandlægeforeningen notes that teeth that look discoloured because of large old fillings or their position will not be helped by bleaching. If you are unsure, ask your dentist first.

SmilePro's own rules for our whitening strips:

• Not for anyone under 18.
• Not for anyone pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have sensitive teeth or unhealthy gums, see a dentist first.
• Do not use them if you have gum disease, an oral infection or recent dental surgery.
• Do not use them on amalgam fillings without consulting a dentist first.
• Do not use them for more than 14 consecutive days without a dentist's supervision.
• Stop and see a dentist if your gums or mouth become irritated (redness, swelling or soreness).
• Do not swallow the gel.
• Avoid direct contact of the whitening gel with your gums.
• Avoid contact with your eyes.

We also recommend waiting until braces are off, as the result can be uneven.

How to whiten your teeth safely at home

Miljøstyrelsen's advice is to have your teeth examined by a dentist, to contact your dentist before you start if you whiten at home with a product for private use, to always follow the product's instructions, and to contact your dentist if you get problems such as gum irritation. Never use a product more often than directed, and stop if you feel pain. Keep up normal brushing and dental visits, which also help your results last.

A short checklist before your first treatment:

• Teeth and gums checked by a dentist, no untreated problems
• Full ingredient list on the pack or product page
• Instructions read through once, start to finish
• A timer, or a light that switches itself off
• A plan for top-ups, so you are not tempted to overdo the first course

How SmilePro approaches safety

SmilePro's gel and strips sold in Denmark and the EU use PAP and list every ingredient on the product page. The Advanced Kit's LED light switches itself off after 10 minutes, the gel is formulated to be enamel safe and to help prevent sensitivity, and the formula was developed by dental professionals. If your teeth are already sensitive, we recommend seeing a dentist first. After each treatment, wait 1 hour before eating or drinking anything except water.

Read next: Do teeth whitening strips work? and How long does teeth whitening last?

Sources

This guide is general information, not dental advice. If you have any concerns about your teeth or gums, speak to a dentist.

• Miljøstyrelsen (Danish Environmental Protection Agency), Tandblegning, read 7 October 2026 (including its 2021 survey of whitening products for home use).
• Tandlægeforeningen (Danish Dental Association), Blegning af tænder, including "Regler fra Sundheds- og Miljøstyrelsen", read 7 October 2026.
• SmilePro, Terms and Conditions, section 4, "Product Use and Cautions" (who should not use SmilePro products).
• SmilePro product information: Teeth Whitening Strips and Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit.