Is teeth whitening safe in Sweden?

Teeth whitening is generally safe for adults with healthy teeth and gums when it is done by dental professionals, or with a legal product used exactly as directed. 1177, Sweden's national health information service, notes that whitening products sold in shops and online are cosmetic products that can be harmful if used the wrong way, and that dental staff can judge which product suits you. Sensitive teeth and sore gums are the most common side effects.

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

What do the rules in Sweden say about teeth whitening?

Sweden follows the EU Cosmetics Regulation, supervised by the Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket). Whitening products sold directly to consumers may contain or release no more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, the bleaching agent dentists use. Products between 0.1% and 6% may only be sold to dentists, the first use in each course must be by a dentist or under their direct supervision, and they must not be used on anyone under 18. Anything stronger is not allowed.

When Läkemedelsverket checked 23 whitening products on the Swedish market in 2022, 83% had at least one fault. The most common was labelling, such as warnings missing in Swedish, and two products contained more hydrogen peroxide than the law allows.

Many at-home products, including SmilePro's range sold in Sweden 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.

Läkemedelsverket notes that whitening products that meet the rules should be safe when used according to the instructions, but that teeth and gums can be damaged if a product is used the wrong way, contains too much hydrogen peroxide or has an unsuitable pH. That is a good reason to choose carefully, 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?

Läkemedelsverket notes that a product with too much hydrogen peroxide or an unsuitable pH can damage enamel, and 1177 advises against whitening if your enamel is thin. 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. 1177 says whitening can cause twinges in the teeth, which usually pass within one to two days once you stop, and that sore or swollen gums are a sign to pause for one to two days, or until they have healed. SmilePro's formula is designed to help prevent sensitivity in healthy teeth. If your teeth are already sensitive, see a dentist before whitening.

1177 also advises against whitening if you have sensitive tooth necks, exposed roots or damage from brushing, as these raise the risk of sensitivity. If you feel discomfort during a treatment, stop, rinse and pause your course. You can also contact our team, who can talk you through your routine.

Who should not whiten their teeth?

In Sweden you must be at least 18 and not pregnant or breastfeeding to have your teeth whitened, Folktandvården explains with reference to Läkemedelsverket's rules, and 1177 advises not to whiten during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Fillings and crowns cannot be whitened, so they will not change colour. 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

Make sure your teeth and gums are healthy: 1177 says cavities should be filled and tartar removed before whitening. Buy from a seller that lists every ingredient. Follow the timings exactly, never use a product more often than directed, and stop if you feel pain. Avoid smoking and snus while you are whitening, which 1177 says can make the result worse, and keep up normal brushing and dental visits.

A short checklist before your first treatment:

• Teeth and gums healthy, no cavities or tartar left untreated
• 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 Sweden 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.

• 1177, Att bleka tänderna (teeth whitening), read 7 October 2026.
• Läkemedelsverket (Swedish Medical Products Agency), Tillsyn av tandblekningsprodukter 2022 (supervision of whitening products), published 14 February 2023.
• Folktandvården Stockholm, Tandblekning, updated 7 April 2025.
• 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.