Who Invented Cotton Candy?

Brunette woman buys mint-colored cotton candy from a man at a cart at a market

Sugar is delicious and quite addictive, and too much of it can be very harmful to both your oral and overall health. Dental professionals typically warn patients to limit their consumption of the sweet stuff as much as they can. It’s important to watch out for all of sugar’s deceptive forms, including added sugar (and even naturally occurring sugar) in dried fruit, sports drinks, sugary chewing gum, candy, fruit juices, many prepackaged “healthy” foods, and starchy desserts. But did you know that cotton candy, one of the worst sweet treats for your teeth, was actually invented by a dentist?

What Is Cotton Candy?

Cotton candy, which is also known as fairy floss and candy floss in other parts of the world, is a pillowy soft sugar confection that is popular at carnivals, fairs, sporting events, and zoos. It’s almost as fun to watch it being spun in a special machine as it is to eat and enjoy it melting on your tongue!

Who Invented Cotton Candy?

The ironic tooth truth is that the man behind cotton candy was a dentist! William Morrison (1860-1926) was an American dentist, lawyer, author, and inventor. He invented the cotton candy machine in 1897, which made its big debut at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. The rest is history!

Sugar vs. Oral Health

Even though a dentist invented cotton candy, that doesn’t make it good for your teeth by any means. Sugar promotes bacteria growth and acid production, which increases your risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, and oral infections. It’s OK to indulge in a sweet treat in moderation, but if you regularly crave something sweet, try chewing sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol will satisfy your sweet tooth and has been proven to help protect your teeth from decay-causing bacteria. Any gum that has an ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval on its label is completely safe to chew and won’t harm your teeth!

Take Care of Your Mouth with a Superb Oral Care Routine

Whether or not you have a sweet tooth, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, floss your teeth at least once a day, and visit our office every six months. Our team at Arizona Biltmore Dentistry is here to assist you with your oral healthcare needs! We will do all we can to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. Contact us to schedule your next cleaning and checkup today.

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