Cotton Candy: Invented by a Dentist

In 1897, dentist William Morrison teamed up with confectioner John C. Wharton to create a cotton candy machine. The treat was first sold publicly in 1904 under the name "Fairy Floss," captivating fairgoers with its light, sugary strands.

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Later, in 1921, another dentist, Joseph Lascaux, improved the machine and rebranded the sweet as "cotton candy"—the name we use today. It’s a playful twist of history that a dental professional, whose work centers on oral health, played a key role in inventing a beloved sugary treat.

 

This unexpected origin story highlights how creativity can cross professional boundaries, turning a collaboration between a dentist and a candy maker into a timeless confection enjoyed by generations.

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