What’s in the Water? Positive Parenting & the History of Attachment Theory

Why is it that some countries fluoridate their water? In the mid-20th century, fluoride became linked with reduced tooth decay, sparking a scientific revolution in the dentistry world, and causing cities to begin infusing their water supplies with fluoride. Today, countries add fluoride as a protective factor, as a way to promote healthy early childhood development (ECD). But there is still significant debate around the practice. What if the protective factors we think we know aren’t so protective after all? With ECD interventions expanding from physical development to cognitive and socioemotional development, we must confront the undercurrents of the field. We need to be asking, what’s in the water? Why is it there?