Hi I Have Experienced Canker Sores In The Past And

Hi
I have experienced canker sores in the past and know they are brought on my too much acidic foods, however I have been experiencing canker sores along with a very red inflamed and swollen tissue on both sides of my mouth and a strange sensation as if I have cotton strips sitting there. Like the dentist might place when having work done. The lateral sides of my tongue are also sore. I can visually see when it becomes puffy and very red, also small white dots within the red areas.
I have been totally avoiding acidic foods and drinks and taking 2 gm Valacyclovir, twice a day which seems to abate my symptoms very temporarily, then when I think its clearing up, it flares up again. Any suggestions of what is causing this and best course of treatment? Thank you