Zurich Dentist Dr Dragisic On Why Healthy Aging Starts in the Mouth
Dr. Dejan Dragisic Zurich Dentist in Stadelhofen
Looking for a dentist in Zurich who goes beyond just cleaning and fillings? Dr. Dejan Dragisic takes a completely different approach – one that links your oral health directly to long-term wellbeing and longevity. From his practice at the D-Clinic in Stadelhofen in the heart of Zurich, he’s helping people of all ages understand why the mouth is one of the most powerful (and often ignored) tools for preventing disease and promoting healthy aging.
Preventive Medicine Starts in the Mouth
Discover how Dr Dragisic’s approach at the D-Clinic regarding oral health impacts systemic health and why caring for your mouth might be one of the smartest longevity strategies you can adopt.
In conversation with oral surgeon, Dr. Dejan Dragisic
As healthcare shifts toward a more preventive and integrative model, oral health is increasingly recognized as a vital, yet often overlooked aspect of systemic wellbeing, playing a key role in early detection, disease prevention and the support of healthy aging. At the forefront of this integrative shift is Dr. Dejan Dragisic, specialist in Oral Surgery and founder of the D-Clinic.
After building a successful practice in London, Dr. Dejan Dragisic brought his patient-focused model to Zurich in 2022. Located on Stadelhoferstrasse near Bellevue, the D-Clinic offers advanced oral surgery, implantology and regenerative treatments with a strong emphasis on preventive care. With his expertise in oral surgery and oral medicine and prior experience at the Oral Medicine Department at University College London, Dr.Dragisic brings a comprehensive approach to patient care. In Zurich, he also serves as a Senior Consultant at the University of Zurich’s Centre for Dental Medicine, where he treats geriatric and medically complex patients, deepening his understanding of how oral health influences systemic wellbeing across the lifespan.
Known for his calm and thorough approach, Dr. Dragisic helps patients of all ages understand that oral health is not just about aesthetics, it is foundational to long-term vitality. We spoke with him about the connection between oral and systemic health, the role of prevention and what individuals can do to protect their health from the inside out.
Dr. Dragisic, after over two decades in London, what inspired your expansion to Zurich and how does the D-Clinic reflect your approach to care?
It was Zurich’s international character and strong focus on quality healthcare that made it the natural next step. We wanted to bring our personalized, prevention-focused model to a broader audience. With a multidisciplinary team, including medical doctor Dr. Arno König, we are now able to fully integrate dental and systemic health in both diagnostics and treatment.
What prompted your interest in exploring the connection between oral health and systemic health?
Over the years, through my work at the Oral Medicine Department at UCL, I have repeatedly observed how the mouth reflects the body’s overall health. Oral health issues rarely occur in isolation, they often signal deeper systemic imbalances. The patterns are well established, patients with chronic gum disease often had cardiovascular issues, inflammatory disorders or metabolic dysfunction. The mouth is not just a local concern, but a key gateway to the body and a powerful point of intervention for longevity.
Can you explain how oral conditions affect systemic health and aging?
Chronic inflammation is one of the major drivers of aging and disease and the mouth is a common source. Infections like periodontitis can trigger low-grade, persistent inflammation that spreads throughout the body. If it is not treated early, gum disease can quietly raise inflammatory markers, interfere with blood sugar control, strain the heart and even affect brain health. We now have strong evidence linking periodontal disease to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and some cancers. That is why prevention and early treatment are so important for long-term health.
How has dentistry evolved in this context?
Dentistry and oral surgery used to be mostly reactive, focused on repairs. Today, it is much more forward thinking and proactive. We can often reverse early bone loss using regenerative techniques and treat infections before they escalate. For example, implant planning now includes assessing general health and immune risks. It is a multidisciplinary approach aimed not just at fixing issues, but on preventing them from happening in the first place.
How does this integration with general healthcare work in practice?
We often work closely with physicians, cardiologists, ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialists, gastroenterologists, even orthopedic specialists, when jaw pain – TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues are involved, to make sure our care is truly comprehensive. Take a patient with diabetes, for instance. Their healing process, immune response, even saliva composition can be different. When we understand that upfront, we can adjust the treatment plan and timing to reduce risks and get better results. This kind of coordination is key if we want to support not just longer lives, but healthier ones.
Are there oral symptoms that signal broader health concerns?
Yes. Bleeding gums, dry mouth, persistent bad breath or loose teeth can indicate more than local dental issues. They may point to autoimmune disorders, metabolic imbalances or medication side effects. In such cases, we collaborate with physicians to address the underlying causes.
How does aging impact oral health?
As we age, immune function slows and oral tissues become more vulnerable to infection and trauma. Many medications cause dry mouth, increasing the risk of decay. Bone loss in the jaw is also a key concern, it affects chewing function and therefore nutrition. Regular check-ups and hygiene appointments, hydration and managing chronic conditions are vital for maintaining oral health in later life.
Take a look at the Instagram Post with Dr Dragisic:
What does preventive oral care look like at your clinic?
Preventive care means staying ahead of problems. That involves routine monitoring, early detection and understanding each patient’s unique risk factors. We provide targeted care like gum therapy, implant evaluations and oral cancer screenings. But just as important is education, when people understand how oral health impacts the heart, brain and immune system, they are far more engaged. Therefore, we take the time to explain these connections clearly and thoroughly, so patients feel informed and empowered.
Who benefits most from this approach and what is the most important takeaway?
Anyone really. If you are looking to take a more proactive role in your health, this approach can make a real difference, and even more so if you are over 50 or living with a complex health needs. While early intervention offers the greatest advantage, it is never too late to lay the groundwork for better long-term health. The most important takeaway? That oral health is foundational to overall well-being. Many people focus on blood tests, fitness or supplements, but overlook the mouth where chronic inflammation often begins. Taking preventive steps in oral care is one of the simplest, most effective ways anyone can adopt to support whole-body health and longevity.
As Dr. Dragisic makes clear, the mouth-body connection is far too important to overlook. Taking care of your oral health is one of the most effective and accessible ways to support overall wellbeing and healthy aging. Whether you’re a parent bringing in a young child for their first check-up, an adult looking to stay ahead of potential issues, or managing the ongoing needs that come with age, early detection and informed choices can make all the difference. If you are aiming to age well or simply want to invest in your long-term health, prevention really does start with your mouth.
If you would like to learn more about how integrated oral care can support your well-being, or if you’re simply looking for a reliable and experienced dentist, we highly recommend contacting the D-Clinic.
Dr Dejan Dragisic D Clinic Stadelhofen Zurich
Specialist in Oral Surgery l Consultant at the Centre for Dental Medicine l University of Zürich
International Team for Implantology l (ITI) Fellow
Address: D Clinic Stadelhoferstrasse 42, 8001 Zürich
Tel: +41 43 222 62 52
Website: Visit the D-Clinic website here.
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