The present invention provides new methods for inducing or promoting bone growth and/or for reducing or preventing bone deterioration in a mammal subject. The inventive methods generally comprise administering to the subject an effective amount of a resolvin. In particular, the inventive methods may be useful for treating or preventing conditions associated with bone degradation, deterioration or degeneration such as periodontal disease, osteoarthritis, and metastatic bone disease and osteolytic bone disease. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising at least one resolvin are also provided that can be used to performed the inventive methods.