Here's your culprit, doc.

It must be another erupting wisdom teeth. Come to think of it, last time another wisdom tooth erupted, I also had some fever and inflamed tonsils.

I find the idea of explaining to Cha and Marcy that the reason for the nearly week-long illness was teething fever, awkward.

Because of a childhood fear of dentists, my teeth achieved a haphazard growth that makes a Manila squatters area look like a well street-planned subdivision. And a relatively narrow jaw meant nasty impacted teeth.

I had one removed last year. That involved a 2 hour surgery that required me to open my mouth the whole time. That wasn't fun, despite any oral orifice jokes people could think of. And now I'm going to go through it again.

A tooth erupts, cutting through the gum above it which could trigger an infection which cause the nearest tonsil to get inflamed. Fever ensues, coupled with heavy coughing. It's wonderful how our bodies could conspire against us.

I still need to see a dentist, though, to be sure. This nasty oral business makes eating an extra-contemplative activity. I could only chew at one side of my face with minimal discomfort and swallowing requires the slow patience of glaciers.

Hopefully that also meant an inch or so off my waist.