When is it particularly important to avoid brushing specific areas of the mouth?

It is especially important to avoid brushing specific areas of the mouth when there is acute pain or following surgery. In these situations, the tissue may be sensitive, inflamed, or healing, and brushing can aggravate the area, leading to increased discomfort or potentially disrupting the healing process. After dental procedures, such as extractions or gum surgery, the dentist usually recommends avoiding brushing near the treatment site for a certain period to ensure proper healing and to prevent complications such as bleeding or infection.

In contrast, the other options do not specifically highlight scenarios where brushing should be avoided. Brushing before and after meals, although essential for maintaining oral hygiene, is generally encouraged rather than avoided, and regular toothpaste application does not inherently mean that brushing should be limited. Instructions from a dental professional may guide brushing practices, but this does not encompass the specific medical considerations present in cases of acute pain or surgery.