It sounds crazy, but it’s true! Candy floss was invented by a dentist and inventor by the name of William James Morrison, who created the spun sugar sweet in 1897. He worked with his friend, confectioner John C. Wharton, to design a machine that could melt sugar and then force it through a wire screen, creating wispy strands of candy floss.
Candy floss proved to be a popular treat from the moment it was introduced to fair-goers at the St Louis World’s Fair in 1904, and it is actually not as bad for your teeth as you might expect, containing less sugar than other confectionary available at the fairground, such as toffee apples. Of course, the trick to enjoying sweet treats is to ensure that you have a healthy balance and take care of your teeth very well afterwards.
How To Protect Your Teeth From Sugar Damage:
Here at Guiney Dental Clinic, we understand that avoiding sugary treats is not always possible. We believe that everything in moderation is the key to enjoying a balanced lifestyle, so here are our top tips:
1. Enjoy sweets after meals. You can reduce the amount of damage to your teeth if you enjoy your sweet treats after a meal or with a savoury snack. This will help to balance the sugars on your teeth and in your body, and will limit your intake to a certain time of day so that the sugar is not sitting on your teeth all day long.
2. Brush your teeth 30 minutes later. You should not brush your teeth immediately after eating, but wait at least 30 minutes to allow the saliva to do its job balancing out the acids and sugars you have eaten. You should use toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes, cleaning each surface of each tooth thoroughly.
3. Take care with sticky foods. Sticky sweets are one of the most damaging foods for teeth, and this is because the sugars stick to the enamel and are difficult to remove. Try swapping sticky sweets for something less problematic for your teeth, such as dark chocolate.
4. Avoid fizzy drinks. Fizzy drinks are a big no-no for teeth, as they are so high in sugars and sweeteners. Drinking these throughout the day means that your teeth will be coated in sugars all day, and this can do a huge amount of damage. Drinking water helps to rinse sugars and toxins away from your teeth and keeps your mouth cleaner, and you should aim to drink 1-2 litres per day.
Are You Looking for a Family Dentist In Cork?
At Guiney Dental Practice, we welcome every member of your family and we believe that caring for your teeth is easier when you develop healthy habits in the early years. Our friendly and experienced dentists and dental hygienists will be happy to talk you through any dental procedure, and we will always take the time to help you feel comfortable in our practice. To make an appointment, call the Guiney Dental Clinic today on 021-481 0535.