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The pain when biting into something cold usually points to exposed dentin, but the cause matters more than just slapping on a sensitivity toothpaste and hoping it sticks. Receding gums, worn enamel from acidic drinks or aggressive brushing, or sometimes a cracked tooth - these all need different approaches. A dentist visit isn't optional here, it's the first real step, because if you've got a cavity or a crack, whitening toothpaste won't fix anything.
Once you've ruled out something serious, desensitizing products can help, sure. But they work best as part of a longer fix, not a quick answer. You might also need to ease up on how hard you're brushing (soft bristles do the job), skip the acidic stuff like energy drinks right before bed, or look into a fluoride rinse if your gums are pulling back. The sensitivity usually improves over a few weeks once you're actually addressing what caused it, rather than just numbing the symptom.
Tooth sensitivity to cold usually means your enamel is worn down or your gums have receded, exposing the softer dentin underneath - try a desensitizing toothpaste and see a dentist to rule out cavities or other issues. In the meantime, avoid acidic drinks and don't brush too hard, since that can make sensitivity worse.
Get yourself a desensitizing toothpaste and use it twice a day - that's genuinely the quickest fix for most people. The stuff works by blocking the tiny tubes in your dentin that lead to the nerve, so cold doesn't trigger that sharp pain. I had this exact problem a couple years back where even ice cream became torture, and switching to a sensitivity toothpaste made a real difference within a week or two.
That said, you should still see a dentist because while worn enamel and receded gums are common culprits, you need to rule out cavities or other damage that need actual treatment. Sometimes sensitivity is also a sign you're brushing too hard - if you're scrubbing away like you're cleaning a deck, that's gonna wear things down faster. Once you get the dentist check out of the way and confirm there's nothing serious going on, the toothpaste plus being gentler with your brush should solve it.
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