what is the cause of mouth ulcers?

Viruses. Use Maleleuca/Tea Tree oil with clove oil, with Helichrysum oil if available, mixed with fractionated coconut oil and applied with q-tip left on ulcerated sore as long as possible. Clove Oil is a “hot” oil, and will burn skin if not diluted with carrier oil, but is antiviral and will quell the pain. Only use essential oils that are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade for oral applications.