Final answer:
Excess fluoride is primarily stored in the bones, leading to skeletal fluorosis, a condition impacting over 2.7 million people globally. It is also stored in teeth, but bone storage is the primary health concern associated with high systemic fluoride levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Excess systemic intake of fluoride has two key storage areas in the human body: it is stored in the bones and teeth. When fluoride levels in the body are high, the mineral is deposited in bone material, leading to a condition known as skeletal fluorosis. This condition is characterized by stiffened joints and thickened bones, which can impair mobility and negatively affect various organs such as the thyroid gland. Although the body can excrete some fluoride through the kidneys, when excess fluoride is present, it can cause serious health issues. Worldwide, over 2.7 million people suffer from skeletal fluorosis, highlighting the importance of regulated fluoride levels in drinking water.
Fluoride also gets incorporated into teeth, contributing to the formation of dental enamel and preventing decay. However, the primary concern with high systemic fluoride levels is its accumulation in the bones rather than its presence in teeth.