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.

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.