About The Author
Author Bio
Dr. Gross (who also writes under the pen name Lewis Gardell) earned his dental degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 1979. He completed his residency at Lutheran Medical Center and furthered his training at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. He also served as an Assistant Professor of Oral Pathology at Columbia University and provided counsel to the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office.
Dr. Gross emphasizes a whole-body approach to dentistry, focusing on the connection between oral health and overall well-being. His practice offers services such as mercury-free restorations, ozone therapy, laser dentistry, and alternatives to traditional root canals. He advocates for the use of biocompatible materials and provides treatments like SMART mercury amalgam removal, metal-free implants, and non-surgical gum disease therapies.
Inspired by his sister’s diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, which he attributes to mercury poisoning from amalgam fillings, Dr. Gross developed a strong commitment to holistic dental practices. He believes in the Terrain Theory of dental disease, positing that an acidic oral environment contributes to decay and erosion. To address this, he offers free pH testing and an Alkaline Oral Cleanse to balance the oral and nasal microbiome.
Lewis Gardell (pen name for Dr. Lewis Gross) writes about freedom, fear, and the small rebellions that save us. A former holistic dentist turned restaurateur, he survived real-world crises that shaped his fiercely independent view of community and resistance.
His nonfiction book Montauk Tango captured the spirit of rebuilding after disaster. His next book, Brand of the Beast, captures the spirit of refusing to kneel.
He lives by the ocean, building gardens from broken ground and dances tango on the beach.
Dentist bio
Dr. Lewis Gross, DDS is a pioneering holistic dentist based in New York City, known for integrating biocompatible and alternative approaches into modern dental care. He is the director of the Tribeca Center for Integrative Holistic Dentistry and has practiced mercury-free dentistry for over 40 years.
Dr. Gross earned his dental degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 1979 and completed his residency at Lutheran Medical Center. He also served as an Assistant Professor of Oral Pathology at Columbia and consulted for the NYC Medical Examiner’s Office.
Inspired by personal experiences—including his sister’s struggle with multiple sclerosis, which he links to mercury toxicity—Dr. Gross became a vocal advocate for safe, non-toxic dentistry. He developed the Alkaline Oral Cleanse and created Alka-White®, a natural mouthwash that neutralizes oral acidity to prevent decay and erosion.
Innovations and Publications
Dr. Gross is the inventor of Alka-White, a natural mouthwash designed to neutralize oral acidity and promote oral health. He is also an author; his first novel, Montauk Tango, explores themes of personal transformation. He is currently working on a book, The Amalgamist: The Da Vinci Code of Dentistry, a medical mystery that delves into the mercury cover-up in dentistry.
Beyond his dental practice, Dr. Gross has been actively involved in his community. He founded the Downtown Little League and served on Community Board 1 for a decade, demonstrating his commitment to community service.
