When your braceshave just been tightened, your mouth might not feel up for much. Even a sandwich can feel like a challenge. That’s where ice cream comes in. The cold helps calm soreness, and the soft texture means no extra pressure on already sensitive teeth.
If you’re in McKinney, there’s no shortage of places to grab something sweet that won’t throw off your progress. Dr. Jensen, our board-certified orthodontist, and our team understand the importance of maintaining consistency with your care while also enjoying the little things along the way. Just like a cosmetic dentisthelps fine-tune the details of your smile, the right sugary treat can help make the process more manageable. Jensen Orthodontic Arts recommends a few local spots where you can cool down, enjoy the moment, and give your mouth a break.
Cocktail Creamery
Tucked into historic downtown McKinney, Cocktail Creamery is a small-batch ice cream shop that doesn’t cut corners.
They use rich, 18% butterfat ice cream as the base for every flavor, blending in premium ingredients like Madagascar vanilla. This process helps create a super creamy texture that’s hard to beat, especially when your mouth is feeling tender.
The menu features a wide range of rotating flavors, with something for everyone, whether you like bold combinations or stick to the classics. The care that goes into each batch is obvious from the first bite. If you’re looking for a treat that feels a little extra, this one’s worth the stop.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
If you’re craving something traditional, Handel’s delivers big time. This spot has been making ice cream by hand since 1945, and the quality hasn’t budged. You’ll find all the familiar classics, like chocolate, strawberry, cookies, and cream, but they also rotate in seasonal options and creative combinations that are worth trying.
The texture is thick and creamy, which makes it perfect if your braces are feeling sore and you want something cold without crunch. Located in McKinney, Handel’s is easy to swing by after an appointment at Jensen Orthodontic Artsor on a summer evening with family.
Miruku Creamery
Miruku brings a fun cultural twist to McKinney’s ice cream scene. This family-owned shop takes inspiration from both Japanese and American flavors. Think light and airy textures with bold flavor combinations, like matcha cookie swirl or yuzu cheesecake.
Everything is made in small batches with local ingredients, and the final result is both creamy and refreshing.
What makes it great for braces patients is the lightness. The texture is smooth and less dense than some other ice creams, making it easier on sore teeth while still hitting the spot when you want something flavorful.
Sugar Ice Cream & Waffles
Sugar Ice Cream & Waffles is another favorite in McKinney, especially if you’re with friends or family who want more than just a scoop. While the waffle bowls and elaborate sundaes might not be ideal if your teeth are feeling sensitive, their simple ice cream cups and soft textures make this a solid pick.
You can mix up to three flavors in a single cup, which is perfect when you can’t decide between options like pistachio, Oreo, coconut, or mango.
Maya Creamery & Lounge
Maya Creamery brings bold flavor and creativity into every dessert they serve. Known for their rolled ice cream, over-the-top milkshakes, and colorful presentation. Their menu is stacked with fun options like falooda, crepes, and macarons, but it’s the smooth, creamy textures that stand out when you’re dealing with sore teeth.
This is perfect when you’re looking for ice cream for braces, in particular, is a great pick after an adjustment. It’s soft, cold, and easy on sensitive spots, with plenty of flavors to mix and match. If you’re in the mood for something fun without biting into anything too crunchy, this McKinney favorite delivers.
Ice Cream for Braces That Our Cosmetic Dentist Thinks Is Worth a Short Drive
If you’re willing to venture a little outside of McKinney, these next few shops are local favorites that might be worth the extra mileage on a weekend afternoon or a reward after post-adjustment with Dr. Jensen and our team.
Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream – Plano
Henry’s has been serving homemade ice cream to the DFW area for over 30 years. With a scoop shop in Plano and wholesale ice cream distributed to restaurants all over Texas, Henry’s has built a reputation for creamy, high-butterfat ice cream that’s made fresh daily.
The flavors lean classic, but there’s a comforting familiarity to every bite. Whether it’s butter pecan, banana pudding, or plain vanilla, the texture is soft enough for sore mouths while still full of flavor. It’s no surprise this place has such a loyal following.
Ked’s Ice Cream – Plano
Another Plano gem, Ked’s offers a wide variety of both exotic and classic flavors. Originally known as Old Town Creamery, they’ve rebranded and expanded their menu to include crepes, waffles, and bubble teas—but the ice cream is still the star.
They carry over 120 flavors, so there’s always something new to try. When your mouth is sore, stick with the creamier, milk-based options that go down easily. You can even take a pint to go and save the rest.
Sweet Firefly – Richardson
Sweet Firefly is tucked into Richardson and feels like a cozy neighborhood shop. They specialize in handcrafted ice cream and small-batch favorites that keep people coming back. If you’re nearby or making a trip out that way, it’s a fun detour.
The staff is friendly, the flavors are thoughtful, and the texture of their ice cream is perfect for those days when chewing is off the table. Whether you grab a pint or a cone (just skip the crunchy bits), it’s a nice reward after an orthodontic visit.
Don’t Forget To Brush After Your Sugar-Filled Fun
Ice cream is a solid choice when your mouth feels sore. It’s cold, smooth, and doesn’t ask too much from your teeth. After the treat, your teeth may need a little help.
Sugary foods like ice cream can cling to brackets, wires, or the tight spaces between your teeth. If that sugar sticks around too long, it feeds the bacteria that cause plaque, and that can lead to swollen gums, cavities, or those white spots that don’t go away after braces come off.
The fix is to keep it simple. Rinse your mouth with water as soon as you can, then brush gentlyonce things don’t feel too sensitive. Even a quick clean can make a big difference in protecting your enamel and keeping your mouth healthy through every stage of treatment.
Take Care of Your Smile (and Still Enjoy the Ice Cream for Braces)
There’s nothing like a cold scoop of ice cream, but keeping your smile healthy matters, too. If you ever have questions about what to eat during treatment or how to care for your braces, our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jensen, and the team at Jensen Orthodontic Artsare always here to help. Reach out to our McKinney officefor questions or concerns.