What are the major ways that a dentist can help to decrease bruxism (as the cause) in a patient that has gum recession?

A mouthguard: Or nti (http://headacheprevention.Com) device. Remember however that bruxism is a contributing factor not necessarily the cause of your recession.

Stop Bruxism: Bruxism is often started due to a minimal change in the bite. Once begun the dentist should give the patient a mouth guard to fully relax the jaw muscles to reduce and eliminate the bruxing.. Once the muscles are relaxed, a skilled dentist will identify the bite source and attempt to adjust the bite to create a balanced bite. If done without muscle relaxation a true bite is difficult to achieve.

Occlusion: If you are a bruxer, you probably will always be one. You may try calcium rich food prior to bedtime as well as a small dose of melatonin. Do one therapy at a time to asses results. Beyond that your dentist may help you by correcting bite issues that cause unnatural forces on your teeth. These forces may cause gum recession, fractured or wearing of the teeth, the bite issues can be corrected.

A bruxing splint: A bruxing splint can be made that fits over your upper or lower teeth and keeps the bruxing to a minimum. It will also help to keep the recession from getting worse.